Should I Buy a Mac or a PC?

Buying a mac is like learning Latin as a first language. It may be useful but you will always have problems communicating with 99 percent of the world. In 20 years, I have never experienced a viable business reason to use a mac over a windows box.

Ipads are deployed for people who don't know how to use a computer and Macs are used by people who "think" they are creative. There is nothing you can do on a mac that you can't do on a PC, but the reverse is not true.

Just one thing: Microsoft is not the "owner" of PCs. They are a company that produces software for PCs.

Nor does it license people to build PCs, or at least until recently did not have their own line of PC's. They now do have the Surface Pro and etc. But, what we typically think of as a PC would have originally been titled an IBM compatible PC, or, "International Business Machine" compatible Personal Computer.

IBM basically had this brilliant idea. What if we publish a set of standards that any computer hardware which meets can be installed on our computer, and then allow anyone to make products for our computer? This led to innovation, sound cards, video cards, etc. PCs led the charge in so many things, leaping from CGA to VGA to EGA while Mac basically had cheap Apple II, GS, CGA or incredibly expensive Mac color computers. Allowing outside development let PCs benefit from companies who say, just wanted to focus on building a better video card instead of an entire better new machine. Companies got very good at this.

In addition, PC allowed anyone to develop software for their machines. When you bought a Mac originally, you bought a Macintosh/Apple computer to run Apple software developed for a higher price by Apple programmers, often with lower quality results. Apple would occasionally purchase a company that did something awesome.

Steve Jobs ran a "closed architecture" system, meaning Apple controlled everything that could be done on an Apple machine, their little apple orchard. It almost destroyed their company before they fired Jobs. One way to think of it is Mac/Apple is a well groomed apple orchard with one kind of fruit, and nothing unexpected. P's are the jungle.

The Mac actually came after the PC. IBM basically thought that only businesses would want to buy something as expensive as a computer and train a technician to use it. Then along comes "hip" Steve Jobs and says “I'm going to make computers cool, and I'm going to make everyone want one.” And with Steve Wozniak's help they added things like a Graphic User Interface and mouse (At the same time as Microsoft offering the same thing).

PCs were the first to have compatibility for external components. Scientists could plug in a centrifuge using the IBM compatible card plugged into the PCI slot on the computer. Anyone could build a printer for a PC, but only Mac/Apple printers or the very rare compatible could do this. The Broadband Internet also came from PCs.

If you wanted a faster modem for an Apple, you had to buy a new Apple or ship it to the manufacturer to have a new card put in. Either way you're looking at hundreds of dollars. For a PC, you pay

maybe $80 to buy a new modem. As the demand for faster internet went up, faster internet services became available, and your old modem would not be fast enough to handle the new higher speed internet. For a PC this was just a matter of buying and installing a new faster PCI modem. Your computer would be down for maybe a half hour while you shut it off, opened the case, and then installed the card and put the hardware disc in. No tech necessary. For a Mac, if it could even do it, you had to box it up and ship it in. (Unless you happen to live where there is Mac tech support, pretty much if you live in a big city.) and go without for a few days. Not an option, really.

So, as the internet got cooler, PC's kept getting faster and cheaper, fueling the demand for internet. Gaming also fueled the internet, and disgustingly enough, "adult" stuff also did. But without PC compatibility, we would still be in the Apple cage and using the internet as not much more than a bulletin board system. Apple's only real service in the computer industry has been to make computing accessible to people who don't want to learn how to use a computer. A Mac doesn't – or tries not to do -- anything new, or that requires an understanding of something complex, which makes it perfect for older people new to computers, or hipsters who want to appear smart and sophisticated.

Long story short, Apple has held back computing for years while claiming to be the best and repackaged capabilities available for years on PCs if you knew how to do it (Siri) and buying off the ignorant public with a smooth looking machine that we'd assume is good because of the aesthetically pleasing look of the case. They are only still around because of brand recognition, and abandonment of Steve Jobs' business model. As was said by another poster, a Mac now is just a mid-grade PC running the Mac OS.

Note: also I'm posting this because I am currently waiting for software that is being delayed because in order for it to be released on iProducts/Macs it has to go through an Apple review process (yeah it's like your parents reading a book before you get to read it).

The software is already ready to go on Droid and PC, and once again, it's the Apple holding us up, and it has been beaten to death.

I have had five Macs so far, starting with a G4 based laptop. I have to say that over time the quality seems to have gone down hill. My G4 still works (slowly). My Intel Macbook died after a year and 10 months and needed a new panel and motherboard. Not ideal.

The iMac 27" I had pretty much cooked its graphics card in the end, so I replaced that with a second hand Mac Pro 2010 which has better cooling and seems to work well. It's connected via 2 x GbE not wireless.

My latest MacBook Pro 13" Retina now has WiFi issues. Won't work with a few standard routers but is fine with an airport extreme. Not ideal really as it's a work laptop. The windows guests running on it continue to work fine even when OSX no longer connects to the internet, they still can. Same Wifi connection.

All in all, I used to recommend Apple without hesitation but now, having spent thousands to get back to working systems, I would hesitate to do so. Their QA seems non-existent and they seem to have dropped the quality of the hardware somewhat as well.

It's a shame, but then again, they seem to be going after a different market these days.

I am starting to consider moving away to slightly cheaper intel based laptops with Linux or Windows as a base OS then running what I need on top of that. What I would save in hardware costs isn't too much. What I would save in cost of time trying to make their OS and hardware play nice is more significant. I've sat here too many times with my MacBook not connecting looking at the guests still working, my wife's windows laptop still working, in fact everything else in the house still working. Same network, same router. The G4 works.

Fun fact: you can actually use one Mac to preform a rescue of a damaged or broken Mac. Try that with a PC. -- A PC guy.

@anon356302: It is not a simple matter of "ensuring a longer lifetime of use on the Mac,'

Everything, absolutely everything is better if you run OS X. OS X is a Unix OS, rock solid and secure.

Also I can't fathom how you never experienced a blue screen of death with Windows. I have owned about 10 PCs and only 1 Mac, which I have been using since June 2011. I've had thousands of BSODs. OS X might have the occasional freeze due mainly to buggy apps, but since Mavericks, not even that.

Okay I have to add my 2 cents worth in. I hear a lot of mac users and pc to mac users claim that buying a mac will ensure a longer lifetime of use on the MAC.

Hmmm, so right now I'm using a HP Pavilion laptop running vista that I bought in 2006. I've never had a "blue screen" freeze on it, I've never had a virus, malware or a trojan horse on it. I surf the net always on it, and to be honest, I've hit many a porno site without ever a virus.

My brother is currently using a Compaq running windows xp home edition that he bought in 2003. The only reason he's changing to another computer is because it's reached its upgrade limit in terms of RAM and VRAM. Guess what I'm giving him? Another computer running winXP that maxes out at 4 gig ram and has more VRAM on it and it runs faster than hell. I bought this computer for $50 two years ago and it has never had a blue screen, virus or malware/trojan horse on it.

Now, my nephew bought a new Macbook three years ago, believing the hype that they never crash. His crashed six months ago. I don't know if it's still under warranty, but I do know that he will not buy another $2500 Mac when he can buy a Wal Mart $278 HP laptop. For the person who complained about constant OS updates, maybe you should have turned on the auto-update for Windows and let it run in the background. I have and I always have the current security updates and it's all done in the background with no impact on my system’s speed, at least that I've noticed.

If all you do is surf the internet, use Firefox with Adblocker Plus and install the free version of AVG. This will protect you from nearly all viruses (it's done that for me), then install Glary utilities and Ccleaner and clean your computer every month or so and you'll rarely if ever experience viruses, malware, or trojan horses.

My $600 laptop does everything I want it to do. My only decision to make is whether or not to upgrade to win7 64bit so I can use all 4 gig of my ram. The only crash I've ever had was when I foolishly stood up and dropped my laptop while it was on. I had to replace my 120 gig with a 220 gig harddrive, that cost me a whopping $54.

Nope, I personally can't justify paying OVER $1900 for a new Macbook Pro when I can buy a Wal Mart HP for less than $300 and do the same thing with the same speed. Sorry, but it doesn't make sense to me, at all!

You should add the operating system as a deciding factor. While Macs have the beautiful OS X Mavericks, PCs have the totally crappy Windows 8, unless you run Linux, but not many want to do so, also considering that Linux has been getting worse all the time in the last few years.

I'm a photographer, and a year ago I built my own PC. A computer is a tool and I built mine to do what I need for my work, exactly and with no compromise.

I've a six-core i7, a work station board, 4 SSD's (O.S, editing software, scratch disk, all other installs), two large (quality) HDD's for storage, a Pro GPU (a must for accurate data representation), 64Gb RAM, a grade A power supply (often overlooked but very important), a cooler that can take all cores at 65 celsius and 100 percent to 35 celsius and idle in one second, a beautiful and capable red aluminum case.

I use a 30bit color work-flow. This may have changed very recently (2013), but Apple has not been able to offer this for the last few years that a PC could.

I have never used or seen a faster computer ever before. All of this was bought for £2500. There was no option to have anything close to this in any Mac specs!

The idea of buying a Mac seems like a huge compromise if something very specific is required, but this is also true of buying a ready made PC (a terrible idea). Even if you can't build a PC yourself, research what you want/need and then pay an expert to complete your machine.

I've had this build for just over a year, have been using win7 64bit, and have had no problems with it (in fact I can't even suggest an improvement, as it does everything I require). I've an automated virus and malware defense and it's proven to be very strong.

My wife has a Mac as she is a scientist, and the code platforms her community use can't be run efficiently on a PC, but whenever I have used it, it has been far from intuitive and seems frustratingly slow. She is embarrassed about getting it out in public! (we are against aggressive, in fact most, marketing).

I will probably replace my PC in in about five years' time, and will buy the most capable and reliable components that will be the best to run the specific software I will be using at that time for my living. No one will try and sell me a product because I will know exactly what I want.

"A good chef will source their base ingredients from multiple sources before they get to create and amaze".

I have just ordered the New iMac 27" and am a bit unsure if I made a good decision.

The price is $6,450 USD.

Specifications: 3.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz;

32GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 4 x 8 GB; 1 TB of flash storage; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780m 4GB GDDR5; Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad; Apple USB Keyboard with Numeric Keypad; Office 2011 for Mac Home and Student

Magic Wand + HiRise for iMac + Backpack 2; AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac 3 with 20 percent discount.

For this amount, I could get a PC with even better specs, and since all of the components are basically Notebook (M) components, it's really the sleek design I'm paying for here.

Now, I've never had a Mac before - and I'm pretty tired of using a PC - due to all the malware and dysfunctions I've experienced.

Most recently, I had to reinstall Win7, only to find myself with an even buggier and slower PC. But am I getting a good deal here?

By the way, I'm into photo editing and some music making, so I know Macs are recommended for those purposes, but still...

Well, about a month ago I brought a new Asus Ultra-book. I brought this while the local tech shop was having a birthday sale. It cost $1859 NZ,

My Specs: Intel i7 @ 3Ghz; 8 Gigs of Ram (upgradeable to 16); 4 Gigs of Nvidia; 15.6" Touchscreen; Windows8; 25 Gig SSD for the OS; 1TB of HDD at 5400 Rpm and a free 3 year warranty.

Now here's a fun activity for you all. Go to apple and try to customize the Macbook Pro to be as close as mine see how much more expensive it is!

My results: Apple MacbookPro: Intel i7 @ 2.7Ghz; 1Gig of Nvidia; 8 gigs of ram; 1TB HDD 5400Rpm; Non-touch 15" screen; 3 years of apple care = $4,398NZ.

Where in this tech run down did apple justify $2539 NZ extra? It's just crazy.

I’ve used Macs for my entire conscious life, reportedly since the age of four, when my parents had old Macintosh Pluses.

Anyway, I used the old black and white ones, then the LC 575, Performas, then when the G3 chip came out, I started using iMacs, then iBooks, more iMacs, Powerbooks, the first generation Macbook Pro, and most recently a mid-2010 MacBook Pro i7.

I would say that the transition to Intel was very clever, but the beginning of the end for Apple. My first MacBook Pro was a tank. It ran fast, as macs did. As it aged and people around me got newer ones, Core 2 duo became a thing, but I found my old one was still pretty damn fast. The video card obviously was an issue as time went on. In 2010, I blew $2,500 on a new one. Biggest waste of money ever. I'd rather have spent it on drugs or gambling.

It tanks in performance. When it was new, I was reading about online software optimizations that were in the pipeline, as the i7 architecture and GT 330M chips were new enough that Apple needed to work on them a bit. I believed it long enough to lose my buyer’s remorse window. It beach balls when creating a new tab in Safari. It takes 10-15 seconds to open the Mail app. It has been reformatted a few times. I don't like things like time machine because that will backup problems.

Basically, I have the performance of a really bad netbook in a very expensive computer. I built a powerful gaming rig for less - yes I know, a desktop custom built is cheaper than a Mac, but come on - with an Intel 3930k and a gtx 680. For those who don't know, those are top-of-the-line CPU/GPU that outperform parts used by Apple by orders of magnitude.

I am sure I bought a lemon, so no need to worry: you probably won’t hate yours like I hate mine, but do not be fooled by anyone. Apple parts are not different or better. They are parts that can be found in a Windows machine. And they are often not the latest or fastest for the time to boot. Think of buying a brand new car for brand new pricing then realizing your shiny new 2010 Malibu is actually only worth a fourth of what you paid because it's Q3 2013.

The OS is slipping and the hardware is becoming more outdated with each refresh. If you want a nice looking device to email and play with photos and videos, Mac is OK. If you want CPU/GPU horsepower to render or game at all, take that $2000, and build yourself a monster rig that will run Windows.

Why is Windows 8 not the most important topic to consider when comparing PC's to Macs?

I believe that Windows 8 is Microsoft's greatest disaster ever. I have never used a Mac, but my summary, after throwing my new ASUS high end laptop in a drawer, is this:

Why should a PC user try to learn a Windows 8 system -- a system that seems determined to try to be a Mac -- with hopeless results? If we want a Mac system, just buy a Mac -- it works like a Mac, not like an ill conceived and poorly developed attempt to copy one.

Macs can run Windows on OSX and higher! And Macs are far better quality than PC's. I do agree PC's can be better for gaming, and macs are more expensive, but three things: Macs are much higher quality and don't get viruses. 2: You can run windows on a Mac, so it's like the only computer you'd ever need, and 3: Macs have flash storage. Hard drives take much longer to access memory. With flash storage, everything is four times quicker. So all in all, even though they are priced higher, it's because they are much higher quality, and it's faster and quicker to access memory. The mac will last you a lifetime.

I have always had a PC, and I never plan to change to Mac. My current laptop is a $600 Dell Inspiron 15R, and I am very happy with it. I was considering checking out a MacBook Pro but after seeing the prices... My computer has the same graphics card as the $2000 MacBook and it has an Intel Core i5 processor while the Mac has an i7. The Mac also has 4GB of RAM and my PC has 6GB. There is no point buying a Mac with that kind of pricing, and the operating system makes my want to smash the dang thing after using it for 15 minutes. Windows is just natural for me. That's my opinion.

I'm practically fed up with Macs. My parents worked with them and I had to use them to. I always said that a PC was a bunch of crap but I'm crawling back from that. Sure, I still think Mac is better, but I like the PC for gaming. Although a PC has tons of viruses and an irritating ease of use. About a year ago, I started building a "hackintosh."

A hackintosh is a system with PC components inside that runs the Mac OS X. It was the best thing I've ever done. I now have the best of both worlds. It's cheap like a PC and reliable and easy to use like a Mac.

If you have an Intel PC and want to try the Mac OS X before buying a mac, give hackintoshin' a try. It's really not hard anymore.

Oh, and one more thing: The Mac part of the computer has never had any crashes at all, while the PC part has had tons of viruses crashes and breakdowns.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love OS X, but I don't like Apple and their shiny, expensive machines. Less is less and more is more, and not different.

Honestly, I recently switched to the better iMac 21" model, and I have mixed feelings about my experience.

Apart from the fact that the HDD crashed four weeks after I bought it (ooops), it is just really a lot slower than a PC for the same price.

One cannot argue with the price/value difference between a Mac and a PC. Granted, OSX is rock solid (it has yet to crash on me after 3-plus months), but I do miss my PC's performance for my work.

Compatibility is also an issue for me. Where at first I thought that for my work a Mac might have been the better pick (I work in software development), I feel that a Windows PC gives me more options, more flexibility and more bang for my buck in the end.

I'll see how it all goes in the end, but there is a decent chance that I will trade this iMac in for a Windows PC again before the end of the year.

Though I adore my MacBook Air, I think my next laptop is going to be a Lenovo X230T running Windows 8, ArchBang (Arch Linux distro) and OSX HACKinstosh.

I really miss having a removable battery, plus there is an optional external battery slice that connects to the bottom. My husband just bought one and damn! That thing gets over 20 hours of life. Also, the RAM and HD are very easily accessible, whereas Apple is now soldering both of those components to the motherboard.

Macs are infinitely better than PC's. They're faster, un- virusable, sleek and turn on in an instant. Apple will always dominate.

I grew up building PC's. Listen folks, the difference is this: a PC you buy out of store is branded OEM Windows.

The license key is tied to the motherboard of that unit. You cannot use it on a system that you build later on.

This makes the PC cheaper, and so do the components inside.

Secondly, if you price out the same components in a MAC to the same comparable PC. there's not much different in price.

I just bought a MacBook Pro (first mac in my life) with an i7 quad core 2.4Ghz chip. The same version of components in a PC would have been roughly $250 less.

As far as performance, with the PC and its OEM software, it is preloaded with so much junk, that usually drags down the performance of the computer, whereas Apple writes the OSx to work with a certain specific range of components they design to really boost the systems performance.

I also currently have an i7 3.4Ghz quad core desktop PC that I built, that scored 220 points higher in a GeekBench test (it tests all the hardware components).

Vs the MacBook Pro at 2.4Ghz. The Mac may have scored 220pts less, but it's also 1Ghz less!

Another thing to think about: The web mostly (90 percent) runs UNIX Apache because UNIX is far more stable and secure and requires less maintenance and you are not constantly requiring updates from MS.

Macs also have a feature called Time Machine that continuously backs up your computer to a specified source, in the background while you work and does not affect system performance. It's very simple to use. I am impressed with my Mac.

Also for further technical information, I run a program called Parallels. This allows me to run virtual Windows, (even Win8 if you want), even though you need a license.

You can install Ubuntu free, and Chrome OS as well.

It is, overall, a very smooth interface and versatile for any needs. The only thing the MAC lacks is developer support for new game releases for those gaming kid junkies out there.

I just wanted to chime in, from my experience of using both Mac and windows for creative purposes.

For "me" a computer is just a tool. I was a Mac user, now I am a windows user, and I regret not changing years ago - which I blame for believing all the hype, reading outdated reviews and predisposition blogs.

It was the same old: getting viruses, having better parts, a better OS, which is complete nonsense these days. Both builds have the same Big Mama in China. What should really matter is performance and the best platform for getting the job done. This, I feel, always comes with an outdated prejudice. I work in audio/sound design and video editing, where Mac is considered the industry standard, but, is it the best tool for the job? I am told it is, from reading all the forums, I feel people like me get force fed all this rubbish from the net and it causes ignorance, fear, and induces stupid questions like “will I get a virus” and “It looks so much better.” This distracts people from looking at the important aspects, of what computer platform will best suit the person’s needs, and it also inhibits research into choices and causes a unjustified bias before we even know what is the right computer/tool to best suit our needs.

Have we been so dumbed down, that going into a windows control panel to change, un-tick a few OS features, turn off / on an update, a firewall causes a brain meltdown and is dumped into the way too hard basket? Mac has been steadily omitting D drives, audio ins/usb/firewire ports, lowering HD speeds and hot soldering ram, thus making us consumers have to search out and buy expensive third party equipment and extensions. This surely must cause more of a brain melt, because these omissions really matter to people who don’t just want a pretty thin device or a computer to just surf the net.

The Windows vs. Mac isn't even worth discussing anymore. They are just tools that do the same job. It just boils down to people’s personal preferences and familiarities. Both builds are flawed and both builds should be scrutinized justly so. I feel people just need to be properly and honestly informed on both, because I was eating candy apples for years and they looked and tasted sweet, until I found out I wasn't getting the nutrition I needed! Hope this helps any up and coming creative types.

Macs are better for me, at this time.

I'm a 23-year-old theater student who just purchased her first Mac. It's a Macbook Pro with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD (not SSD because well, I couldn't spend more.).

Before this purchase, I swore off Macs. I bought a Dell Inspiron 1525 about 4 1/2 years ago and an Acer Aspire One running Linux Ubuntu Netbook Remix ~2 1/2 years ago. Once I purchased the notebook, I treated my laptop as a desktop. It worked out great and I really didn't mind, but recently, as they both started to reach the end of their lives, I had to use both to accomplish most tasks, which took its toll one my back from having to lug them around so I bit the bullet and purchased a Mac.

At first, it felt foreign and confusing, but within a week, I was able to use it quite easily and now I even prefer it. Accomplishing even the simplest tasks is easier and quicker on a Mac (for me). It's amazing. I'll probably never go back.

Do not buy either one. Computers are supposed to compute and neither one of these do that. Look up "computer" in your dictionary and you will see what I mean!

I have been a PC user most of my life (I am 42 now). I was anti apple most of that time as well. I hated anything apple and hated apple fan boys even more. I swore I would use Linux before I would ever use a mac.

I was in IT for 10-plus years and built thousands of desktops and servers for my company and our clients. I would argue the quality of PC or apple with anyone. I also have to say at this point I had never owned or used an apple product and I think most of my hatred for apple came from ignorance and pride. I broke down and bought an IPhone on ATT when they first came out and I hated it because I felt apple was trying to control my experience and dictate what I could do with my phone.

I ended up moving to android and thought I was happy. Well, over the years, I believe the android ecosystem has become to fragmented and is devolving into crap. I am also no longer happy with Windows, and feel Windows 8 was a disaster. So what am I left with? Well I could run Ubuntu but it's taking a much more commercial direction as well and the support is just not there for what I use a PC for.

Fast forward. My laptop dies and I need a new one. I go down to the local Best Buy and buy the most expensive netbook they have with Windows on it and it is total crap. It took like an hour (I am not kidding) to install Office 365. I returned it for the most expensive Windows 8 laptop they sell with touch screen (a Sony Vaio), and again, it was garbage. I returned it and I did the unthinkable: I bought a Macbook pro. Yes, it was a lot more money but I can honestly say I have never been happier. I am a gamer and I am very disappointed with the amount of and quality of games that run natively on Mac, but I will probably keep my Windows desktop for gaming so it is no big deal. I do not see a need to replace my desktop with a mac at this point.

I also started having trouble with my android phone and after having literally seven phones in two to three years, I gave up and bought the IPhone 5. I wish the screen was bigger and the battery lasted a little longer, but I have to say that the phone does what it is supposed to and it just works.

I think the thing we need to realize it that this world is made up of billions of people and some need/want mac and some need/want pc and both are great in their own way and serve their own purposes. Right now, for me, apple is better than pc/android but in a few years I might go back to pc/android. I am not a fan boy for any company. If it's good, I buy/use it and if it is not, I have no problem buying something else.

It is my money and I can spend it where I choose to. I tell companies how good a job I think they are doing or not doing by where I spend my hard earned dollars. Companies sometimes forget they are supposed to serve their customers, not the other way around.

The mac looks nice, but the performance is horrible.

It is slower than the same caliber PC and the system is rather unstable.

Apple Macs have gone downhill in recent years as far as build quality goes. Recent iMacs have had spates of failing USB ports and hard drives, screens with blemishes, unstable network connections. Plus, all the new model Macs have zero user serviceable parts. Replacing the hard drive or even expanding the RAM is a major operation needing specialised tools, and it invalidates your warranty. To add insult to injury, Macs aren't such snappy performers in use, and have just as many slowdowns and unexpected seize-ups as PCs.

Just to jump in here. I was a heavy PC user and I still like windows and use it a lot; I just found OSX a more enjoyable experience.

People think Macs are expensive, but you can get a mac with a Quad Core i7 etc for £600, plus if you don't like that you can build a Mac (they're called "Hackintoshes") so there is no reason but OSX to prefer Macs as PCs.

My main thing I have to say though, is Apple support is amazing. I managed to absolutely break my HDD (was a Toshiba HDD) and Apple checked it, and could not fix it so they replaced my Mac the same day free of charge (they offered to fix it but it would have taken a couple of hours as there was a queue). Now that's costumer service.

In my opinion, a PC has slightly more games, more online software, more of a verity.

Macs have a better build, more app store apps, a slightly better OS and unbeatable support.

I have been a PC guy for 15 years. I just recently purchased a Mac. I am very disappointed with the compatibility. Apple computers seem to seriously limit the use of their computer. I will be going back to a PC.

I have a PC Notebook bought way back in April 2005. It has a Pentium 4m, windows xp sp3,2gb ddr ram,64mb Vram. Hell of a spec list back then. It's nine years and still running strong. Now for three months it has been neglected as I have a new core i5 3rd gen. intel and 8gb ddr3 and 2gb vram. I think that a long life for a pc base computer. Any apples want to join for a museum ride?

You could not give me a pc without me throwing it out the window. Ihe longest I've ever owned a PC is two years and that's about the lifespan of them. My mac is seven years old and still running like it's brand new.

One thing not mentioned is that Windows has more hotkeys. As a designer, I can work up to three times faster using Adobe apps than a Mac, due to the fact that Windows has virtually every menu item available as a hotkey by default using the alt key + underlined letter in the menu.

In design work, there is a lot of this sort of thing. While there are many hotkeys for powerusers under a Mac OS, they can't boast that every menu item has a keyboard equivalent. The Mac OS is for young people who aren't concerned about carpal tunnel, in my opinion, and enjoy mousing for every single menu item, adding a few seconds to every single design step.

On a side note, the Mac desktop and UI look like something for children to play with -- a bad aesthetic choice for someone who is serious about getting work done.

And I guess that's kind of the point I'm making. If you want to go to the coffee shop and pose with your Mac, then that by all means that is what Macs seem better suited for. However, I do my best work in a quiet controlled environment. Since I can get my work done faster than my Mac counterparts, I can get off work earlier, leave the laptop at home and and spend my time at the coffee shop enjoying the company of others instead posing behind a laptop screen.

Not to brag or anything, but I'm rich and even I won't touch a Mac. Sorry to say, but they're not the best things out there. So no, people who use PC's are not poor.

I'm so sick of the ignorance. For example, saying that a Mac may not be worth it for basic computing, when you have it backward. Most Mac users don't want anything with a lot of choices and do basic computing on them, such as web surfing, email, facebook etc.

Then you talk about the high price of a Mac being offset by higher quality parts. Bull! A geek would know that a Mac is nothing more than A PC with mid-grade to inferior parts! Yes, format the drive and put windows on it. It's a PC! If you want high quality, buy a high end PC. Look around and shop, and you can get a PC that is not only faster, but has better parts than a $2,500 Mac for only $700. Yet the article says the Mac will have higher quality parts.

What you said about security is mostly true. However, it shows the truth about Macs, which is they are also vulnerable to malware. Even worse, they are supposedly not as profitable for hackers, and yet new malware comes out each month for Macs. No, I don't care if it's less than what comes out for a PC. Either way, you must have an anti virus program or be at risk. The days of having a Mac with no chance of getting malware are over. Just look at Mac Defender, or Mac Flashback. Look up Mac viruses. And with those same problems, it's hardly worth paying double for mid-grade quality hardware. Apple's deal is so horrible, I can actually buy a $700 PC and put the Mac OSX on it and it's faster than their $2500 iMac, proving they are overpriced. But I hate OSX. Not because it doesn't work, etc. But it's just pointless. It's not so much better as people are brainwashed to believe. Sure, it works. But so does windows 7, and fine at that.

"Both are equally fast and have comparable storage capabilities depending on the model chosen.” This simply is not true. Because Apple controls the hardware, it is out to make a profit on what you get. And they are not going to give you the best hardware when they can make a boat load of money off something cheaper that its credulous audience will accept.

PC's have always been faster because there are always more current versions of the motherboard around at cheaper prices. You like video editing and rendering, but it's slow? You want the truth? It will render more quickly on a PC. It's bull that they say a Mac does this better, as most titles are available for editing. The proof is this article points out there is more software for PC's and it shows.

"Macs are generally considered to have a better design than PCs...” More rubbish. Design of a computer is not aesthetics. Only Mac users think about how shiny it is, or if it's made of plastic or metal, etc. The design of computer starts on the inside, and PC's have the best designs, not Macs. One reason starts with the case. You never cram a powerful computer inside a tiny case with few or no air holes and make it work with monitor electronics. Good, fast, powerful PC's need air, space and fans to work at peak performance. Apple does not offer this unless you buy their Pro, which has a big case just like a PC. And then you have fewer hardware choices because Apple assumes you're an idiot and likes to choose to maximize Apple's profit.

The reason the looks of a mac are seen as "urban", "cool" "hip" etc is simple. Because there are few looks (models) to choose from, it creates repetition in their advertising. In other words, showing you the same machine over and over is a natural form of hypnosis. If you repeat anything that is the same, over and over, it can become hypnotically vague. If you continually show that same model alongside with someone who is deemed hip or cool, people will, through associative conditioning, associate a "cool" feeling with it. It's pure hypnosis. There is no way possible a box or rectangle is cool, smart or sexy. It's all in the mind.

Macs are not easier to use. This is advertising and after people get brainwashed and wanting to justify paying double, they tend to defend their purchase. If Macs were truly more intuitive, people would not need an "adjustment period.” That adjustment period is because people actually need help, tutorials and must adjust to what is counter intuitive. This is marketing bull fed to the customers to keep them calm until the 30 days runs out, and they can no longer return the machine. Also note that people talk about which they can buy, but out themselves as Mac lovers by always assuming the person is going to a Mac. People would have to be blind not to notice this.

Maintenance: You have some points here, but keep in mind the maintenance is caused by the user sticking in the wrong video card, with drivers for the wrong OS, for example. In other words, most of these issues are most common with people who don't read or think. And therefore the thinking is, that if you are an idiot and cannot think, buy a Mac where changing anything is not only difficult, but severely limited. Then praise it because you were forced not to change anything, because you couldn't, because there were no options and therefore it still works, even though it could have worked way better, faster etc.

But again, if someone wants "Mac" stability, all the user has to do is refrain from changing around their PC and keeping the same cards that came with it, for example. Stop making all these little changes to the OS! In other words, PC's take the blame for what should be the user's fault. No one puts a gun to their head and says you must change the cards and OS around! My friend uses Windows 7 and knows nothing about computers. She just does email and facebook. And her PC has been working perfectly! And if a person likes to do this sort of thing, then a Mac is not for them anyway. But yeah, make a "stable" system by making a system with almost no options. Yet you can just pretend you have a Mac and not change your PC around six ways from Sunday. Then you will have a nice stable system with the drivers that were intended for your PC. That is, if you are challenged and can not follow directions. I'd rather have the system with a choice to alter it than someone telling me, "No, you cannot because you own a Mac!"

That said, there is nothing about the layout of a Mac that makes it less prone to conflicts other than Apple doesn't want anyone in there changing things around! Again, a Mac is a PC at the hardware level! So it's one version of a PC. You can format the SSD and put Windows on it and it will be native! But I invite you to notice Mac repairs cost more because they overcharge the suckers who buy them! And note that the new SSDs are not fully supported on Macs, which should be cutting edge technology! Trim is missing, unless of all retarded things, you buy an Apple SSD.

"...there is a wider variety of software for PCs...” What is this bull where Mac users think that PC's are used for business and Macs are audio and video? I see this everywhere in Mac circles, proving that Mac users are like parrots, repeating every marketing slogan and piece of misinformation they hear. The problem is they do not think deeply about what they are saying. How many people do you see running businesses with PC's percentage wise? Not many. Most people are average people who do everything from art and music to video. I know I do music and video production on PC. Most people play games on a PC, as well.

Macs actually have inferior audio and video capabilities because their hardware is mid-grade, cheap hardware that often lacks the high quality A to D and D to A converters. However, in PC land, you can have a choice and choose one that has any feature you need, or quickly add it on! Only recently have Macs had some improvements to their audio quality. Meaning that, for all these years, Mac has been fully inferior and now they are only average.

People say this because Apple brain washes people into thinking this. That is because it's a segment of their sales. If they lose the video and audio people, they lose a chunk of their sales. The real truth is that any PC can do audio and video to the same standards. The files are digital, and can easily be processed by either. However, PC's often are faster for cheaper, meaning that higher quality (HD) video is more likely to be produced on a PC than a Mac because people don't like to wait for slow machines. But at the hardware level, the PC remains either equal or superior.

Please don't tell people a bunch of information that is not the truth just to further help Apple line its pockets. If you don't believe what I've said, do your own research people! It's all out there.

I've had a Mac for three years now: the Macbook air then the Pro. Before that I had a Dell, and a pretty cute one at that.

I like the look of the Mac, and I also like how fast it is in comparison. I used to get quite a few viruses on my PC.

I am a Mac person now, and I'm still getting used to the controls of it. It really is preference.

Dells are sturdy and powerful, while Macs are pretty and simple. I used to game a lot on my Dell, but my gaming has been replaced by my work. I feel like with the mac, you're almost paying for the image, it's really so expensive.

But I love my mac and I don't think I'll go back. Not sure why. They are both good machines, though. But the Pro is better than the Air, in my opinion. You're paying more for less with the Air.

A mac freezes just as much as a PC. I have a mac book pro and I think it's just rubbish.

Nobody every talks about build quality. They all talk about the CPU, RAM, blah blah blah. Does anybody know anything about manufacturing and build quality? A Macbook pro shell is CNC milled out of a single block of solid aluminum. Have you ever seen that being done? Most PCs are plastic injected molded, flimsy pieces of plastic. Of course the Mac is going to cost more! The track pad is made out of glass, for crying out loud. The fit and finish are impeccable. They even drill tiny holes in the sides that light up when you press a button to check battery life without turning on your computer. It's those little touches, the details, the manufacturing and materials that make macs cost more than the average PC.

The power adapter is magnetic so if you trip on it it doesn't take out your computer. I can go on and on and on. So yes, the Mac costs more, but it's build better. It's like a house built out of quality materials, versus bad materials.

The resale value also holds at about 60 percent-70 percent after a few years. That being said, I also like my PC for gaming. There is no comparison when it comes to gaming. But for working? I always go to my mac.

I swear to god half of these supposed PC users gone Mac have never heard of a firewall or anti-malware. Macs do get viruses so don't believe that myth that they're completely free of them. They don't get them as often due to Windows having 90 percent of the OS marketshare. Finally, there are a slew of Mac users who are pretty clueless about the basics of a computer. There are plenty who know their stuff but the majority amaze me in ignorance.

Finally, OSX is a really sleek OS and I like it. The presentation of the OS is wonderful and it just works. I like windows as well; the OS is more user friendly to me. I find the taskbar more pleasurable to use than the dock. Explorer is easier to use compared to Finder for me. It's all user preference.

I've been a PC user much of my life. I recently used Ubuntu, and it was fun but not what I needed. Ubuntu is not ready to roll like a MAC or PC. Mac is much more user friendly than everyone gives it credit for. Honestly, if your only reason for buying a PC is gaming or price, you need to rethink your priorities. While I had a PC, I always had an issue. I was always rebooting my system.

Sure Macs cost more, but think about no crashing, no viruses. Think about how much time you waste fixing your computer. I agree that, if Microsoft was more strict on what they let on their system it would be a better platform. I do a lot of legal research and I love my Mac. I never have to worry about a virus crashing my computer.

With an eight-month old, if I need to stop and start whatever I'm doing, I can before nap time ends. However it all comes down to preference. My husband is an avid PC user, but I've given up on Microsoft.

It's very simple: All operating systems stink! You have to choose what is more appealing to you.

Would you want to have access to all the games and software and a customizable system that is cheaper and faster at the cost of having more crashes and viruses?

Or, you would rather have a safer, more stable and easier to use system with better preinstalled programs at the cost of having less powerful and more costly hardware, fewer customizable system, fewer programs and no games?

It is just user choice and it is funny how people fight over which is better. They are equal, and they all stink.

I don't want to break the news, but Macs are PCs, too. The hardware is literally the same. The only difference is the OS. Here is an example: it is possible to install any PC operating system on a Mac (Linux/Unix, Windows). Now, if Macs were any different (which they were many years ago), this wouldn't be possible.

It's just that marketing people try to convince you that Mac doesn't equal PC, which is a lie.

I was once a PC guy, very experienced and heavy PC user, and I swore I would never touch a Mac, but then I had to for Uni. Even though the first week was frustrating, the overall experience was very rewarding. I understood the reasoning behind mac.

Best Comparison I can make is this:

Mac = Is a Human

PC = Frankenstein

Franky might be more customisable, however the person is just much better built, and won't let you turn green every time you see a blue screen of death!

This debate is like comparing the Lamborghini brand to the entire Fiat company (which owns everything from consumer end Fiats to high end Porsches and Ferraris). You can't really compare a single car brand to an entire corporation can you? There are consumers who are more familiar with the Mac OS, who don't mind the price, and prefer its usability and there are those who prefer what pc's have to offer.

In the end, each person has their own preferences and we shouldn't have to fight over them. Do your research and buy what's most appealing to you.

People buy Macs for several reasons.

1. The software is better. Way better. By a lot.

2. The hardware fail rates are virtually non-existent.

3. The usage experience is generally speaking unhampered by viruses and software hangups due to compatibility.

People buy PC's for several reasons.

1. The prices start at almost free.

2. If you played with Legos and know basic algebra you can rip them apart and rebuild them.

3. They want to play games.

So basically it comes down to how much are you willing to spend on a computer. If you're willing to part with a grand, then most adults buy Macs at that point. If you're cheap, then you buy a PC because they only cost about 200 bucks.

I would like to note the population of computer gamers (real ones) is incredibly small thanks to PS3 and Xbox 360 being so available. Also, a good gaming rig is going to run you at least $2,000 in parts initially and you're going to be tossing $400-600 dollars in it every two years when a new card comes out. So you really can't even consider gaming as part of the argument due to the fact that the niche is so small and it costs more than your teenager's car.

I've never heard of a windows PC overheating when used normally or running too hot. iMacs always run hot and stand a chance of burning out quicker.

I've read about people saying their Apple branded monitor has been running for a year plus. O.K., I have a monitor that is not Apple branded that has been running on my Windows PC for two years without a hitch. Also, if you attempt to put windows apps on a mac, then you're looking at problems. But if you run mac apps on a windows PC, no problem. Hmmm, wonder where the debate is?

"Mac equals school/business." Seems far-fetched considering how very few businesses use Macs, and for good reason. I'm sure Macs are good for college kids until they get out into the real world and realize they don't want to be so locked in.

Mac equals school/business.

PC equals gaming/internet surfing.

A Mac's power is equal to a $500 dollar PC and you're mostly paying for look and brand, not the hardware.

A PC can be upgraded and its power is better than a Mac and in this case, you pay for hardware, not for looks.

A PC gets a 10/10. A Mac gets a 6/10. My friend purchased a Mac and his words were "It's not what I expected" and my other friend purchased a PC and it wasn't what he expected so they switched. End of story. It all depends on the user.

I have to have both! I like PCs for games. I can’t really think of other reasons I would need one. I do like how my Creative Zen worked intuitively for music and I do hate Itunes.

I also hated working on the many PCs over the years with terrible OS problems (Millennium and Vista seemed to be the same or worse, not upgrades). I hated spyware and constant battles of security. But it’s tolerated for the gaming fun.

As for the Mac, besides the beauty (inside and out), I like it for serious work. If I’m working on a project, I don’t like any interruptions or problems. With my macbook, I’ve had no blue screens of death and I’ve had no boot problems (you know the ones where you have to get out your Fort Knox toolkit and try to break into your computer). In the event the Mac freezes up or shuts off because I forgot to plug in my charger, it picks up right where I left off and I continue working.

I consider PCs to be my play toy and Macs to be my reliable work horse (and part toy too!). So I don't understand the preschool fights about it all!

These discussions crack me up. I understand it is hard not to be biased when you are trying to convince people you like what you like. I have both MAC and Windows 7 PCs, and like them both. I have no preference at all. The problem with not being open-minded about the other side is that you limit your choices. I like that I have no preference. It means I have so many choices. But here is my comparison of the two.

Cost: Windows PC. A given. Even I know I overpaid for my Mac, but I am fine with that. I made the choice.

Ease of Use: For me it is actually Windows 7. Mainly if you are trying to get into the more advanced areas of the system. However, this does not mean that OSX is difficult to use at all. Many Mac people have not used Windows in a long time, so they don’t realize how much it has changed. I am running Lion and prefer the Doc over the task bar. Also the way the Mac handles multiple user accounts is a joke. An example: If you get a chance to look up on how to share pictures between users on Apple’s website you will see what I mean.

Gaming: Windows PC. Hard to ague this one. Crossfire/SLI. Heck, you can spend almost a $1000 on a graphics setup alone if you want. And as we Mac guys know, most of us have a windows PC for gaming. Also the choices on the Mac side just stink.

Speed. This is a hard one for me. My PC, spec-wise, is a slower system, but the fact that my PC sports an SSD and my Mac doesn’t is probably why it feels faster. (I plan to upgrade my Mac after the warranty runs out.) I will say that the Mac guys who tell you that OSX doesn’t need as much RAM as windows is either lying or just doesn’t know. First thing I did with my Mac was add 8GB of RAM.

Apps. This one goes to the Mac, and can help justify some of the cost. Movie Maker just plain stinks. It works, but it is so basic, and they removed stuff when going to Windows 7. I almost deduct from the Mac because iTunes is on the system. This is the most worthless piece of crap that you almost have to use. By the way, for you Windows guys: it is just as bad on a Mac as it is on a PC. I do feel for Microsoft here though, because for some reason when they include software in their OS, they are sued and forced to remove it as it causes unfair this, that and the other.

Just came back to the apps here. Mac also has iPhone, FaceTime, Photo Booth, etc., which are great apps and blow windows extras out of the water.

Included Browsers: Tie. I like Safari a lot, but I also like IE9 as well. By the way, everything before IE9 was garbage. And all the main browsers are available on both systems.

File Sharing: Easy one. Windows 7. With the addition of Home Sharing, things are almost too easy.

People who own them: Windows 7 wins easy. The reason I chose this: If you post anything against Apple in a form, even when trying to get help, you get told you are off because you didn’t bow to the way of the almighty Apple. On the Windows side, if you post a question or complaint, you get an answer without the elementary school comments. And if I hear the slogan “It just works” one more time I am going to go crazy. Both systems “just work.”

Security: Mac wins easy. However, I must say that MS responds to threats so much quicker than Apple, so have to give them credit. I can’t stand when I hear a company state that they told Apple about the issue “months ago” and they have done nothing about it. By the way, Macs do get malware. Some Mac users will say, “I have never gotten any and I don’t even run a virus scanner.” If you don’t have a virus scanner, then how the heck do you know if you have any malware?

Miscellaneous: I just re-read what I had written, and it looks like I give a few more kudos to Windows then Mac, but even so, with all of the stuff I put above, I enjoy using my Mac more. OSX looks good and work well. Any PC person owes it to themselves to give OSX a try for an extended period of time and vice versa. Have a great day and enjoy which ever system you own.

Macs are a waste of money. They are so overpriced.

I don't know much about editing software on Mac but I can't see it being that much faster due to it being a Mac. It might be easier to navigate, but that is about it and it certainly isn't worth hundreds more for that.

A PC is way easier to upgrade, overclock and play games. The graphic cards on the mac are pretty old for games. It can still play them but odds are if you buy PC gamesm you won't want to play on the lowest settings. And getting a virus depends on the person more than the OS. Sure, a Mac has fewer viruses, but that's because they didn't sell as well as they did until now.

If you're trying to justify the price by saying it's safer to use, in three or four years when you're ready for your next Mac, it's going to have just as many viruses as a PC. Not getting viruses depends on how smart you are when it comes to the internet. Knowing not to click those retarded ads or links that pop up or downloading from sites that you don't know about. Here's a simple and cheap way to virus proof your pc: use adblocker in Firefox and Chrome and get Norton internet security or any other decent virus protection software. That's anywhere from $80 to $200.

In my opinion, the people who buy a Mac for being safer are people who have no idea how you get viruses and how to use a computer more to its full ability and think higher price = better/faster. I'm not saying you have to know how to program a computer or be a genius, but you should know how to check websites on the internet, using security features available for your browser and how to use the internet for troubleshooting problems.

Some problems that make computers seem more buggy is that multiple companies make computers (HP, DELL, ASUS). Dell can have the best configurations for Windows, while HP might not and when you buy that brand, you blame Windows for the problems. Mac is made by Apple only, so they know how to optimize it to the fullest. The article is saying is that the Mac OS is faster at booting up and shutting down, but if you install Windows onto an SSD hard drive, it will start up and shut down just as fast or faster than Mac. SSDs are a bit pricey but still cheaper than getting a Mac because you only need 60gb to install Windows and maybe something else and you can install everything else onto a normal hard drive.

Macs feel better but the price isn't worth it. If you were buying shoes and one was $200 and was really comfortable and another felt a bit better, but cost $400-$500, which would you buy?

Mac is amazing. 'Nuff said. But seriously a mac is so worth it. I love my mac.

It's a matter of power (PC) vs. stability and speed. You can't say that mac or pc is better, because it depends on the user. I always used a PC, because I was a gamer, but now I quit gaming, so I'm going for a Mac next time.

I prefer PC, and I'll explain why.

It all comes down to what you get for the price you pay, and it's a simple fact that macs and pretty much all Apple products are overpriced.

Simply compare a $1200 iMac with an Intel 2.5 Ghz 4 core i5 processor, 4 GB DDR3 Memory, and 500GB hard drive, and an AMD Radeon with 6750M, 512MB GDDR5 memory Graphics card. An HP Omni 220 Quad series, with an Intel 2.8 GHz quad core i7 processor, 8GB DDR3 memory, 2 TB hard drive, and a 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7450A Graphics card. Think about it. That's 1500 GB more hard drive space. It's double the performance in terms of graphics, (so, better gaming experience), twice the amount of memory and a still slightly better processor, on the PC's part.

Another difference is the price. The Mac: $1200. The PC: $999. Yes, the Mac provides a very slick design, and a much faster and cooler looking OS. This does not mean Windows 7 is bad at all. Everything is just as instantaneous and speedy as any other Mac, and much, much more configurable. So, when a PC costs $200 less and performs twice as well, why would you even consider a Mac? You can pretty much forget about gaming, unless you really want to go all out and spend over $2500 for that nice $1000 PC gaming feel. That's my opinion.

I'm not going to pay an extra $600 or so for my computer to be slick and shiny.

I still don't get it how Mac users can honestly advocate Macs to replace a PCm and at the same time tell people to buy VMWare Fusion or Parallels Desktop to run Windows on top of OS X. For technical users and developers, virtual machines are great solutions. For normal users who want to get a job done, VMs only add complexity and cost: You are running two platforms on one hardware, and you have to pay for software for two systems. And at the end of the day, for such users, virtual machines are just crutches that only prove one thing: that Mac OS X is not up for the job, because you still need Windows.

That being said, Apple sells nicely designed and usually quiet/almost noiseless hardware. And that hardware can also run Windows or Linux natively. You don't need to lock yourself into the Apple platform; you can just use Apple's hardware. And many people actually do that to avoid the restrictions of Apple's limited software ecosystem.

Apple basically has abandoned the "pro" market. Some of their products still carry the "pro" label, but the reality is that Apple is exclusively focusing on the consumer market. That's where their gigantic cash reserve comes from.

Apple is a nobody in the business/corporate/enterprise sector. Nobody uses their products there -- for the simple reason that they can't. The Apple ecosystem does not have the required software. Apple does not hand out product road maps. They don't even have real server software anymore and they also dropped their server hardware. Heck, Apple themselves use SUN/ORACLE hard- and software in their data centers (just look at those Solaris jobs advertised on Apple's own career website).

So in the end, this discussion is only a discussion for home users. If you need to run business software on your system, OS X is already out of the question, no matter how much the situation might have improved over the last five years.

And even if you are a home user, the Mac is only good for you if you do not want to play the latest first person shooters on it. Firstly, Apple never has up-to-date graphics chips in their hardware and second, you'd need Windows. Again.

Still, they sell nicely designed and engineered hardware for a niche market. But everybody has to decide for themselves if they want to pay a bonus just for the hardware design.

Great article! However the true breakdown goes like this. People who know computers use PC. People who know their craft (other than HC pc gamer, over clocker) use mac. *Drops the mic and walks away*

I've had a PC made for me with high specs and possibilities to overclock and improve in the future. It cost me about $1200 and I get a two year guarantee.

I've looked around for alternatives and don't think you can beat the performance of this computer unless you spend at least $2,000 -2,500 on an apple and that makes improving it at a later date much harder. I like the looks of Apples and people go for the looks and name, like many of us do when we buy a car or a watch.

Sometimes you want more than functional. I dislike the cult-like following Apple has, but know a number of professionals who are not computer/software experts who prefer Apple because of the good sound/video programs available. It's a choice to make for everyone. Just don't start talking about specs and benchmarks.

I am not rich, so I bought the cheapest (and the only) Apple product I have: Apple MacMini. Why? Because I thought MacOSX is UNIX based and perhaps I can learn some UNIX from it. But my background of 21 years in other UNIXes (including Linux, and FreeBSD) is still not enough for me to navigate around Mac's environment.

The Macintosh (among the first computers that started me learning computers) that fascinated me in the 1980s is no longer is the same as the MacOSX today. Safari is horrible as compared to my favorite browser: Chrome. Itunes has lost all my MP3s in my iPod and until today, I still have not been able to sync it back to the iPod. I have subscribed to so many online lectures in iTunes, only to start downloading every time I turned on the MacMini. And the download in iTunes takes at least a few hours for a 100MB file. Well, my MacMini is hardly used -- only once a week, or less.

I know both and have developed software for both.

Apple occasionally makes a decent product but most of their stuff is overpriced junk. And people who spend money on overpriced junk tend to be very defensive about it.

The type of person who loves Apple needs Apple. They are not really clued in enough to use anything else and need someone very polite on the phone to 'help' them. Then again, I know several iPad2 users who bought them just to be seen carrying them and never turn them on. At the end of the day, all IT products are rubbish in one way or the other. What distinguishes Apple users is their lack of capability. If you have never used a computer, find sending an email difficult or fancy yourself as a 'creative' type who can't figure out how to use a washing machine, then you are an Apple user.

If a crap pie was thinner and had a glow strip on it would still be a crap pie.

Macs are horrible for gaming. They might be good for school, but I am a gamer. You pay $1000 for a weak graphics chipset and an OK processor. So I was fed up and built a pc. The graphics are so good and it is cheaper. But that's my opinion. Just that macs are bad for gaming and if you bootcamp, be prepared to turn down the quality settings for OK performance.

I bought a mac book pro three years ago and am loving it. No looking back to windows. I was always a PC user before that, spending endless amounts of money upgrading my PC since when I was a kid.

I have to admit there are more hardware choices out there for PC, but the microsoft OS just plain stinks. There is a lot of tweaking, upgrading, viruses, malware, not booting up etc., etc. There's just a problem every few months and they need constant maintenance.

With mac OS X, everything just works, just like the above article said. If you need a computer with a mean to an end, just go with Mac. An analogy to buying a car, if you just want a car to drive smoothly with style, just go and get a bmw. If you want a car that you want constant upgrades, tweaking, breakdown, go and get a subaru.

Shouldn't this discussion really be about Apple vs (Lenovo, HP, Dell, etc)? Most of the issues raised here are issues with hardware. I have a Lenovo laptop with Win7 x64 and have had zero problems with it. Whereas my HP friends have problems every day, and you'll notice every time Dell is mentioned here, so is BSOD.

Expanding on that, every Windows system off the shelf, regardless of brand, has been tampered with or "enhanced" in some way. Apple has complete control over what goes on their laptops, so they work the way Apple wants.

Microsoft gives their system to a manufacturer, who then messes with it. If Microsoft made their own laptops, I doubt there would be many stability issues with them.

I assumed that because I loved my iPhone experience that I would love an iMac -- wrong! It sucks! If I were completely technologically feeble and was going to completely depend on Apple Care and "geniuses," then maybe it would have been a good choice. But if you've ever used Windows, stick with it.

Even the simple act of installing a downloaded program is an exercise in frustration! And when I search for solutions to self-perceived problems all I can find is responses like "you're doing it wrong -- you must learn to do it a completely new (backward) way."

I just got myself a Macbook Air after being on the PC all my life. I have never gotten any viruses on PC to date and is the go to guy in the neighbourhood to fix PC problems.

My first impression of the Mac is this: it does take a bit of getting used to if you are coming from a PC, and on a laptop, the bigger/better track pad and gestures do help (I still prefer a mouse over any trackpad). Other than that, I don't think it is better than Windows 7 by any means. I do miss my Super Taskbar on Windows 7 and the Dock is just a poor alternative. Also, Windows Explorer is really powerful compared to the Finder on the Mac. I have always organized my files myself and never relied on the search function to find files for me. On the Mac search is much better, and it probably needs it to be so.

I love the portability and battery life of my Macbook Air, as well as its supposed resale value a few years down the lane. As you may have already noticed, my decision to get a mac was not based on the OS choices, but the fact that no Windows ultra portables can compete with the Macbook Air.

I will never consider using Mac without bootcamp/windows as my main computer at home, however. Not because it cannot serve the purpose, just because most of my SW are Windows and I am so used to it, and I am not stupid enough to get viruses.

The quality of PCs varies wildly. I had a MAC and switched back to an Alienware computer that was so buggy that I threw it out after eight months. There is no support for most PCs. Simply put, the offer of paid support is a swindle.

On the other hand, the best computer I ever had was a PC. I now have a MAC again and it's a little different but once you get used to it it's more intuitive. The thing about MACs is support. You can bring it back and they will fix it. There is plenty of free phone support. If you add in the price of free support the MAC is cheaper then the PC.

What is comes down to is, “Do I feel lucky?” If you feel lucky get a PC. If you don’t want to worry about luck get a MAC.

I have a PC, (have always used PCs for several years now, but I have also had an iPhone for just as long) and all of my good friends have Macs. I really love my PC and really want a Mac. Macs are too expensive for my budget and my PC is only three months old. I could always give my PC to my brother who needs a computer but doesn't have one.

My big dilemmas are PhotoBooth, the ability to have all my iPhone music already synced and in the cloud and I love the look of Macs. And that I really love Word and Excel (practically live off them). In my experience, Macs don't have good versions of Word and Excel. What do I do?

I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate my apple mac. Every single day I have a new problem with it. Nothing is intuitive, nothing makes sense. Why today, suddenly, does an important disc open in a text edit instead of install? There is no obvious way to change it back. Why does a music disc suddenly open with Firefox (yes, Firefox). Why is the text so small I can hardly see it - and each time I have to adjust the font size, it won't keep the settings. I loathe it. If it hadn't cost so much it would be in the garbage by now. Don't bother, unless you love wasting time trying to fix things.

Get the mac. I have been through a billion pc and laptops and the mac is the best I've ever had. Don't waste your money on a pc. Just get the mac, and if you like a pc, just get the program "parallel desktop" for mac.

I'm using an Apple Mac MC700X. This supports me as well as well I wish and I'm happy with my apple notebook.

My pc is apple mac pro. If you want by a mac pc I suggest you buy a Mac Pro because this is the best.

My $2800 17" Macbook Pro 2.33 GHZ core duo, was the worst investment I have ever made. After two years of sending the mac to be fixed and every major internal component replaced (hard drive, graphic card/logic board, optical drive, battery explosion) I can say that the unreliability is not worth the cost to your possible business. Finally, they reluctantly sent me a brand new 2.8 GHZ Macbook Pro. About a year and a half later, my graphics card started showing the signs of failure.

If you're trying to pick up some girls at the local Starbucks and you only use your computer for email, a Mac is for you. If you want to make money with your computer or do anything that needs actual computing, buy a PC. If you like the OSX reliability and interface, install one of the many versions of LINUX, like Ubuntu. Just because you have a PC doesn't mean you have to be stuck with Windows. You have options -- much cheaper options, and more reliable options than Mac.

If you do get a Mac, take my advice: get the Applecare Protection plan which will set you back about $350. You will need it!

A point that I've been missing here (excuse me for not reading everything!

So, a pc is actually some random hardware put together, and it is up to the OS (let's say windows in this case) to make sense of it, millions of drivers to have at your disposal. This is also one of the problems with android devices.

Apple makes the hardware and the OS, so they know which hardware is in the machine, and the os is therefore way more streamlined and fast.

I have used a pc always, up until now. But things are going more professional for me, so I need performance, stability, no randomness. I want to try out a mac. Maybe a macbook air, as I am on the move a lot. It is though, a big choice. I am typing this on a $200 pc. Not much, but the performance is actually kind of good. Just not trustworthy in professional situations. Something could go wrong. Cheers

People, PC is a PC and MAC is a MAC.

You get what you pay for. If you have a high end PC system it will kick butt and there is no way a MAC can compete.

There are, of course, Power Mac Pro machines that you pay $10,000 or more for that will do almost the same thing as the power PC, but still a MAC is a MAC and a PC is a PC. Why on earth do you argue or say pc or mac is better than another?

I used a PC all my life and never had any problems. If you are too illiterate to operate a PC, simple: don't buy it, get a mac and you will be happy. But to me, macs are just too limited in resources (as of now at least). Maybe in 20 years a MAC will be better for my use, but as of now, no thank you. Macs are just simpler and not better, got it?

Just visit a mac store and see the kind of idiots asking how to access the Internet on a MAC. Wow. This just makes me sick. It's 2012 and our society is behind monkeys 50 years. It is like comparing apples with oranges. Do you guys know the difference between those two? Good luck.

The old PC vs Mac debate eh? Yeah I'm partial to the PC, due to its pricing and its customizable options. Built my first home PC desktop in 2009 from decent parts bought online, and installed Windows 7 x64 on it. I love it, and the best part of all is, I built it myself so I know every inch of it.

I can't be happier with it. It rarely freezes up and if it does it's only for a moment and then it recovers. Windows XP and previous versions of Windows just didn't do that. A program crash usually sent you to the power button to reset the system. They truly were piles of crap, after having them run for a for a few months.

As for the Mac systems, I've used them back in school -- the old Macintosh systems with that 90's interface. They just had the wrong feel to them then, but I didn't give up on them, and here, 20 odd years later, I've given the OSX another try. I installed it on this PC I have now as a Virtual Machine, just to see what all the hype was about.

I can't say I'm astonished or blown away by what OSX had to offer. Maybe I'm just too far gone down the PC path to see the OSX for what it can do. I was lost in the new Mac environment. Stuff was not where it was supposed to be, and the programs seemed oddly foreign and unsatisfactory. Sure it looked cool and all, but I just can't get used to my windows control buttons being on the left side, and that "start" menu thing, no thanks.

To each his own I say. If you're a Mac user, keep on keepin' on. I'll stick with my PC. Skyrim for the PC is awesome, give it a try!

rjohnson is right! I wish I had never bought a mac in the first place!

If you are considering a Mac, please try Linux Ubuntu first. It will work on most PCs that run xp or newer.

You will have the benefit of a Mac without the price.

(I run Linux Ubuntu off of a 16 GIG USB flash drive).

An interesting thread. I use both Mac (Lion) at home, and PC (XP and W7) at work. I also have a mate that is very into PCs. It has become clear to me that you get what you pay for, and that for equal money spent, the performance of Mac v PC is comparable. A cheap PC will give you cheap performance. A good PC with quality components will perform well. So for me, the price argument is crap.

As for the stability of the OS, the Mac is more stable than Windows. I'm not saying that Mac OSX is without fault, because that would a lie. Is Windows rubbish? Of course not. If you are into serious gaming, then Windows is for you. If you are into serious graphics editing, etc., then the Mac has an edge. This is not to say that you can't game on a Mac, or that you can't do the graphics stuff on a PC, just that each has its strong points.

Some say that a Mac is too restricted and can't be customized or tweaked. Seriously guys, you are clueless.

Networking - incorporating a Mac into a business network and exchange server is not a problem. So called "IT managers" who say otherwise are also clueless. I'm aware of dozens of companies that do just that with no issues.

Software prices do not differ greatly, and most serious productivity apps are available for the mac, and are comparably priced to the windows version. In the last couple of years I've no longer needed a Windows machine for specialty apps, as they are all available for my Mac. The Mac App Store now offers a great range of software, with many programs available at amazingly low prices. The software argument is not one you'd be choosing the platform on.

But to the guy who reckons USB cables cost more for Macs, I mean seriously dude - you are deluded. I don't pay a premium for peripherals of any type to use with my Mac at home. Printers, hard drives, scanners, cables - they're all the same for both Mac and Windows.

In summary, if you want cheap, then a cheap Windows machine will do all basic web browsing, email, office stuff. If you have more demanding requirements, or you want a machine with a bit more grunt, then spend more and get more. My preference is with the Mac, but my best mate loves his Windows PC.

If you want to take some advice from this forum, then I suggest you ignore those who are all or nothing for either OS. Their bias will not help you. I also suggest that if someone has been using a Mac for just two weeks, then they are a little short on valuable data.

Me? I've been working with windows every day at my workplace for 10 years, and bought my first Mac around 12 years ago. My preference is with the Mac OS, and that is a balanced decision based on a lot of time with both platforms. But like I say, that is my preference.

what's the point to install windows on a mac? just buy a PC. it's cheaper, faster and customizable and it has a huge game collection if you are a gamer.

mac = pretty and trendy eye candy. That's all. I had one: a macbook pro. never again.

I gave up my PC to change to MAC and it's the worst thing I ever did.

There are no downloads, everyone else is miles ahead in image editing and I can't get a simple download! I hate MAC!

so far, i think both are good. i use an alienware m14x laptop and it runs pretty well. get an alienware. i am lag-free from games.

I have both a Mac and a PC. I would recommend a Mac, even though it is a little bit more expensive. In my opinion (and almost all Mac users), Mac OS X is far more stable and has fewer crashes than windows. It also can run better on not so great hardware. The mac mini's hardware kind of stinks, but it runs super fast for me. But it's up to the buyer and what type of computer they want.

Another point is boot camp. You can buy a PC and it runs windows. If you need some Mac program, you're out of luck. But if you buy a Mac, you can run both. Sure you can download a modded Mac OS X and install it. But the thing with Mac on a PC is that it normally only works for a few PC's and it is not always legal.

A lot of the problem with the Mac vs PC debate is the large amount of ignorance. I keep seeing people compaire a 2GB RAM i3 PC to a 4GB i5 or 8GB i7 Mac. In those cases of course the Mac is going to be faster! But if you want to actually compair a new 8GB i7, let's just say Sony to a 8GB i7 Mac, you won't see a computing difference! I have tested it and I continue to test it all the damn time. Multitasking is the same on both of equal specs, computing is the same on both of equal specs. The main difference is that for the same performance you're going to pay about half as much for PC because your paying a crapload more for all the software that already comes on every Mac that most people don't ever use or need.

And the argument that Macs last longer than PCs isn't true, either. I have had this same laptop for five years and in that time my "Mac fanboy" friend has gone through two Macs. They crash, they break just like PCs. And the virus thing isn't a real issue because that has nothing to do with the PC's stability. That just has to do with the volume of people who own PCs.

More viruses are out there for PCs, simply because there are more PCs out there so more viruses are made for them (put simply). Also, since there are more PCs you will hear more horror stories from ID10T errors because more people own a PC to tell those stories. I have had plenty of experience with Mac computers over 10 years and I can say from experience they are not going to be any more stable than a PC. They are just a little bit more ID10T error proof because of how closed they are. That's my 25 cents.

All my life I used PCs. Sure they'll have a virus here and there, but with the correct protection and slight knowledge of PCs they are not that bad. A friend of mine recommended Linux but I never even heard of Linux or Ubuntu up until now. How I view it is that Open Source projects are not always good and can cause problems if you have no idea what you are doing.

My only problems with Windows OSs is that they come out with Systems that the general population will not use same with Apple. I mean Imacs and MacBooks are expensive. Then again there are people out there who uses Macs so therefore I really don't hate "Macs". They are not user friendly so I will never buy one.

When it comes to productivity, Mac wins hands down because of OSX. I wish OSX would be legally available for PCs, then I'd love to buy a Dell or whatever and just put OSX on it.

Windows isn't good for multitasking. The toolbar gets insanely cluttered, one program freezes, they all follow. I end up sitting for several minutes for it to unfreeze. OSX is just a solid OS built on UNIX and is a really great to work with.

I also like Obuntu but not nearly as much as OSX. I just hate it is locked into Apple hardware. I would gladly pay $200 to install it on a PC just like people do with Windows.

Mac vs PC? They are both equally good but the PC is just cheaper, so I recommend buying a PC.

PC includes Linux and Windows, Open source Hardware, and now it can even run the Mac OS with minor mo0dification.

I have been using a Windows based PC since the early days. The issue here between PC and Mac isn’t the “hardware” its the OS.

Over the years my Windows based PC’s have served me well. I even have an old 2001 Model IBM R30 laptop running Windows Xp, with no major issues, however, it is slow. Which isn’t surprising for its age as it was made for Win2000. Having said that I also own a desktop as my main PC.

Here are some of my issues I have had: blue screens of death, viruses and malware threats, constant IE failures and other program failures. A ton of registry errors. For the most after trying to sort it all out, you just give up and format the C drive again and reload Windows.

Windows is truly unstable, and this is coming from someone who has never owned a Mac. When windows works, it’s fine. The other issue is that a PC, over time, will slow as newer software requires more speedy processors and then a new version of Windows.

Indeed, a PC is cheaper than a Mac. However, a PC does not come with the applications (software) that the Mac has as standard. If you factor this in the price it’s not that large a difference.

A friend of mine recently had her PC infected with about.blank Hijacker and she visited her local PC shop, which promptly sold her an anti-virus suite to remove it. Four hundred dollars later, it wasn’t fixed. Microsoft, error messages were sending her to sites to pay for removal tools, system tune-up tools, etc., etc., all for a price, of course. She finally did what I told her and got the machine reformatted.

After all my issues, a PC is a PC. It does what i need from it. I use it mainly for e-mail, online chat servers, MSN, surfing the net, playing the odd game, viewing my pictures and videos and printing from it.

From what i have read so far, a Mac does all this just as well, with the only difference being its uses different OS and applications. For that reason, a PC person like myself will look into buying an iMac. It’s true you may pay more than for a PC, however, with a PC you eventually pay later.

The truth be told, I have used Linux and found it a lot better than windows. Like many PC users, we can’t stand Microsoft and all their crap. I once couldn’t even validate my genuine copy of windows to get updates. Just sick of it all. I will try a Mac.

For all you people out there who say I’m an Apple fanboy, well I have never owned anything from Apple before so you have no basis. Lets hope the New Snow leopard OSX is far more stable than Winblows. A very disappointed PC user.

The PC: Using an I7 extreme core, 64 bit with 8GB RAM and a top of the range graphics card. Running Windows 7 Ultimate and less than a second to get on the web using Google Chrome the 12 thread CPU blows the MAC out of the running.

A PC can out perform a MAC doing anything. Run four or five applications on CS5 master collection at the same time, also fire up FL9 or 10 and do a trance tune and play COD black ops while switching between the web for game tips; you get my drift. Can a MAC do all that? Almost forgot: two 39" flat screen HD TVs and a 19" monitor. Start up time is 87 seconds and takes less than a minute to shut down. Internet security software these days are are very good. I have had no virus attack at all. Not even worth a discussion. Price: less than £3K. Otherwise I would use a MAC.

I'm not paid to post. I'm not a fangirl of any camp. I like all three for many reasons. I'm someone who loves technology and I revel in what creative minds have to offer me.

Windows is familiar and has ubiquitous software. And the latest OS, Windows 7, is quite good and stable, and the idea of building my own Windows computer is fun. There's nothing my Windows 7 machine cannot do pretty well except feed my cat when he meows. Many of my PC family are Dells, and all still work, with the oldest being seven years old. All components still work, and Dells are very easy to fix as needed, although none have needed it, and their BIOS is user friendly for those who like to set up dual booting.

Mac? What used to be mysterious and almost too different is now fast, secure, and beautiful, and less different. For my art and music, it's Mac. It too is stable. And durable. My oldest Mac is 20 years old and still works well. I like legacy software so much that it still gets usage. Apple makes quality.

Now to Linux. It's not for geeks. It's for podcatchers, artists, scientists, web surfers, businesspeople, movie watchers, gamers, etc. Being free, it's fun free shopping when I feel greedy for new software. And Terminal isn't something hidden like underwear. It's accessible for anyone who wants to do programming. I've built an Ubuntu environment that grew enormous and has become greatly useful as well as entertaining. I've even set up one Linux from an elderly Dell that was really too old to run Windows XP Pro well, so I gave it Linux Mint and set it up as my language computer all in French as an immersion environment.

So, which do I choose? All of them, any day, any time. They are all awesome.

I have switched to a Mac and it's the best thing I ever did after 20 years. I am primarily into photography and video. The Mac is really user friendly. I figured it out easily. It's much more user friendly than windows.

If you just want to get down to business and not put up with annoying crashes having to defrag your disk and all those other annoying things that PCs have, then a Mac is the way to go. It's like a car. I don't need to know how it runs; I just want to use it, not waste all my time fiddling with it.

My son now has a mac for school and he loves it. The kids had a choice a Mac or a windows based PC and the kids who made the PC choice are all regretting it and wanting a mac. Yep, you can play games on them just the same as a PC and he has never had a problem with his mac. The techies at school have not had to look at the macs -- only the PCs.

My other son has a PC and yep, you guessed it -- always something going wrong and when it does I thank god he has PC nuts for friends who like looking under the bonnet to fix it because I am totally over it. Bring on the macs, I say. They have a better design better for getting on with what you really want to be doing. Not wasting all that time under the bonnet. You get what you pay for and I haven't wasted a penny.

Just bought a new iMac desktop: i5 proc, 27in screen, etc. Am I impressed? Absolutely not. It's going to take a lot of effort plus new professional level software to get it anywhere near the operability of my windows pc's.

It seems with macs, the functionality and ability to customize has been removed for simplicity of use. It's like buying a car and not being able to look under the bonnet! Apart from the screen and fewer cables, definitely a backward step from my five year old windows desktop.

It is easier to do stuff on a PC and organize yourself. It is harder to do stuff on macs, but macs have really cool applications.

In a typical day I use an iMAC, Mac Pro and PC. I seriously love 'em both.

I am a technical engineer in charge of end user support for over 500 users.

In general, MACs are great, unless you want to do things in a customized way. They may be reliable perhaps due to their rigidity. This is both good and bad. Both PCs and MACs have their pros and cons, depending on who uses them and how. Saying one is better that the other is like saying that blondes are sexier than redheads. It really depends on who you are.

At work (cons): MACs are generally simple to set up right out of the box, unless you wish to place them on a windows network, configure them to interact with any specific exchange server or have them use customized PC based applications.

Some resort to VMware or parallels to run a windows environment within the MAC O/S. My solution is to use thin apps to run the program from the MAC desktop.

Printing to a Windows server hosted device is challenging too. But there are solutions. Most IT folk running a windows environment hate dealing with a MAC because it just is not built to easily interface with anything non-Mac and there is so little online help available.

It's difficult to lock down options on the desktop. This means that users will experiment with every option until they call you to fix it to working order again. I get more trouble calls from MAC users on my network than anyone else. They cost so much more and stress me out making a business case to purchase them over a PC that cost four times less. Their peripherals are so much more expensive. Even the usb cables for MACs cost much more than their PC counterparts.

Servicing is a nightmare. With a Dell or HP one phone call results in an engineer visiting within four hours to replace a faulty part. I have to take the MAC to an Apple center far away and wait a few days.

They don't ship with any preventative maintenance programs compared to PCs that generally give you options to scan a drive for errors and defrag.

They are difficult, almost impossible to conform to group policy controls. Therefore, every MAC has to be configured, despite being on a a business network.

At work (Pros): They are great for graphics artists and audio visual engineers, who probably trained specifically on MACs. You just can't compare a 32bit 2GB RAM PC with a 64bit 8GB iMAC or Mac Pro. The more stable 64 bit platform doesn't crash when they open four extremely large programs at the same time. Experienced PC users often close large programs to avoid this. Apple users can't wrap their minds around the concept.

The users feel special to be given a MAC. They are proud to use such a sleek and sexy, stylish machine.

There are indeed fewer virus impacting MAC. However, many MAC users do contract malware and just don't realize that they are infected because they choose not to run anti-virus programs to indicate that they got infected.

Using boot-camp, parallels or VMWARE MAC users can also enjoy PC desktops. The downside of this is the IT department having to manage the additional software licenses for doing so.

At home (Cons): Expensive software. MACs ship with some great apps. However there are fewer freeware options available online should you need something more. Fewer programmers and companies write software for Apple due to its lower market share.

There is less online help available. If you run into a problem you have little choice but to go to the Apple folk and put your support contract to the test.

Everything Apple is more expensive. All peripheral devices, software, cables, anything.

At home (Pros): If you don't intend to do anything ground-breaking its great! Surfing the Internet, writing letters, sending email, playing videos and music is all that a lot of people do. You can do these forever with a MAC with few to no issues.

If it's simplicity with little need for doing things differently you want, a MAC may be for you.

From a 17" dell, 2 replacements in three months then died again after warranty,, a gateway, one year, screen shot, a Sony Vaio (told the best) ended its own life after six months, Toshiba, six months then dead after replacing hard drive, all for thousands of dollars and been told pc's good life span is two years.

I broke down an got my new Mac14". called a few times for advice on how to work programs, they answered immediately as opposed to all other brands put me on hold half hour or more or hung up. I think I will like my new Mac and its service.

I did buy two dells 15' four or five years ago for my kids and grandkids. with a bit of service work needed, both still work fine. go figure.

@anon148403: It's because PC users are confident in their pc's computing abilities and don't have a need to write about it's "greatness" in every posting box they see.

Stop saying my PC gets viruses and runs slow. This is not the PC's fault. It is Windows OS fault. Use Linux on a PC and dual boot Windows if you can't so without it. Superior OS than Windows and cheaper and better hardware than a Mac and upgrade is possible. Cut and dried, that is it.

I keep on wondering why 50 percent of the posts (or maybe even more) are pro-MAC while there are so many more windows users in the world.

Both operating systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and to be honest, I have given a few choice words to both, but at the end of the day, my choice is Mac. It would be Linux if pre built Linux computers were more readily available. I buy a Mac for Unix.

In my opinion, Unix is a more reliable operating system. I am familiar with the commands, and very productive with the bash shell.

I had used windows until windows 98, I learned a great deal about computers using it, I did not have issues with it, but I switched to Linux because a Unix platform better suits my computer needs. From Linux, I switched to Mac. The reason: I just do not want to buy a PC only to format the hard drive and install Linux: spending money for an OS I will never use.

If you are trying to decide which computer better suits your needs, ask yourself what you want to do with a computer. If you only want to browse the internet, play games, watch movies, check your email, and chat with friends, shelling out over a grand for a MAC is not wise; however, if you want reliability, configurability, programmability, and a powerhouse of tools, buy a MAC and learn Unix.

In my opinion, the average computer user will find a PC to be the better choice.

I've built a PC and I've been using PCs my entire life. I've used 98, XP, Vista, and Windows 7 for extended periods of time. I've had top of the line Samsung netbooks, and Sony Vaios laptops. I've had Dell laptops and Acer laptops.

I should mention that I was an avid gamer and I enjoyed using peripherals.

Here's my take on Macbooks.

I'm going to talk about Macbook Pro Laptops.

I bought a Macbook Pro for college in 2010. I do not regret it.

What I found was that there are several pros and cons for both.

Macbooks are simply put, easy to use. You can download several applications and install very easily for free and some have properties such as Aero quicksnap and maximize. So it can open exactly like Windows.

Also, Macbooks have "Spaces" or multiple desktops and easy trackpad usage.

The trackpad is the best part. Simple swipes have a multitude of commands and it makes life so much easier. The dock is also much simpler to use for general computer users. It turns on faster. It's intuitive, and files are very clean and organized.

It's aluminum body is very sexy and light weight. It's also very hard to crack. Unibody.

It's very fast. Great processor.

Cons- a medium learning curve.

It's aluminum. Aluminum bends and creaks. Some can squeak!

Also, what is the microphone doing in the body (voice chat causes huge echoes), and why are the speakers internal (echoing music in chatting), and why the hell do I have to take it to Apple to replace the battery? It's also expensive compared to PC laptops.

Then again, you're getting a well put together piece of equipment. And seriously, why are you upgrading your freaking laptop anyway?

Buy a new one. You upgrade desktops, not laptops.

These laptops, even the dual cores, will last you for a very long time.

Say that you don't destroy you PC laptop in three years. If you carry it around, by the time you need a new one, there will be processors and parts that will be worth buying to replace this one. However, hardware hasn't and will not advance to that stage in a long time. So Macs are a strong and safe investment. Macs are well put together. They will not fall apart

Besides that, Mac is good for the general public.

It's fast, gets fewer viruses, and it lasts long.

The battery life is amazing. It can go up to 11 hours on idle, but I usually get about 6 hours when I run Microsoft word. Why? Because I don't need multiple programs running in the background taking up processing power like anti-viruses.

For the gamers: A serious question these people need to ask themselves is why are you playing games on your laptop? If you are playing games, you must be playing simple ones that are most likely readily available to macs like Minecraft, League of Legends, or WoW.

If you have a gaming laptop, then get a PC laptop, not bootcamp. It's that simple.

If you want to run special programs, get a PC.

Otherwise, Macs are great.

PC laptops are also very good if you take very, very good care of them.

Sometimes the good brands will surprise you and have the same excellent qualities as a Macbook.

I am still an avid PC gamer and I love both my Mac and PC.

But I have to admit that Macs are good for simple things like incredibly easy simple programs. It makes a great different in everyday life. You don't want the complications or the 14 extra clicks to find things. Also the navigation is easier once you're used to it. If you use your laptop everyday, you'll find that the mac is sooo worth the investment.

However, other programs for avid windows users, are much easier on Windows.

As for repairing a Mac, you should not be buying such an expensive piece of hardware without a warranty. If you break it, you send it in for repairs, bring it to Best Buy, or bring it to the Apple Store. Free repair depending on how expensive your warranty.

Dells and other companies all have horrible stories about computer repairs.

Apple is very good with its customers and they love them. They honor their repairs and their words.

Overall, get a Mac if you're super busy, want easy use, have excess money and don't care about very specific PC programs.

Get a PC if you want the most varieties of peripherals, games, and etc.

Side note: I have to admit, Mac users are usually always snobby. Don't be that guy/gal. They both have pros and cons.

I got a mac because I just wanted simple and sexy. I'm tired of windows security pop ups and annoying windows crap. This never happens on a Mac.

Also, Macs are not just for idiot PC users. Just because they want simplicity doesn't make them incapable of opening the same programs.

I have a difficult life and its very stressful. I don't want to deal with PC problems and its annoying OS. I want ease of use.

They're both very good. Take your pick.

Interesting read here! I am going to add my two cents worth here and I am probably the oldest person to post, (I will be 71 in April of 2011.) Since the late eighties, I have used PC's, most recently, a Dell computer with Windows XP.

I am not about to "dis" PC's. I like them. However, I am being blue screened to death, thanks to my inability to re install my Windows programme once a year. Time for a change. I will clean up my desk top, try the new iMac 21.5 wireless and come back here next year to let you know if the "old dog" has learned any new tricks!

I will go whole hog, airport express router, track pad etc and let you know what I think. I will always be loyal to Windows but I am frankly curious about the Apple products. See you all next year.

I’m a PC to Mac, but now I want to go back!

I’ve recently changed to a MacBook pro after always owning PC (Windows). Unfortunately for me it has not been a smooth transition so far and the “cosmetic” benefits really don’t hold ground.

The biggest problem I’ve had is with the transfer of files and folders into the mac system and the corresponding restrictions. I keep finding myself saying, “XXXX I can’t even do that!”.

For example, there is no delete on a mac, only a backspace. You can't view anything full screen by just clicking the “maximize button” -- you have to drag out the window. You can't just open one photo in a folder and then flick through the folder; you have to first select all the photos you want to see. The list goes on and on, and although these are all small issues, I find that it's all very restrictive, very time consuming and just unnecessary.

You feel like you've been punished for being a pc user and the mac is saying to you “do it my way or it's the highway," whereas a pc says, “Just tell me want you want and I'll do it!” As a consequence, I've had to spend days reorganizing all my files, folders, photos and music into the mac way of doing things when I actually preferred the way I had it before. And in my experience, the system is not really all that stable and when it crashes I normally have to power off the computer and restart because the force close has also crashed.

Obviously, I was expecting some teething problems changing to a new operating system, but I'm also struggling to find the benefits.

As I've already said, I only got this MacBook recently (two weeks ago) and I'm willing to give it the benefit of doubt but with windows 7 getting Microsoft back in the game, I am seriously considering going back to a system where I'm the boss.

Any words of encouragement from other who've gone through the same process would be appreciated.

I, too, was reluctant to "Go MAC", but was tired of replacing my PC's every few years. I've taken them into the shop three times for viruses and memory problems, even though I had expensive programs to protect against ad-ware, viruses, etc. Then they would get too slow and I would have trouble even after cleaning them up and defragging them. And every time windows upgrades programs, they change how to access parts of the programs.

At work, I could reconfigure printers, and knew how to problem solve for minor program glitches in word, but every new upgrade, windows reconfigures the task bars and the menus and the help section so I have to refigured out how to use it. Keeps the tech busy and employed at work though.

I finally had it and spent the extra $ for a great MAC over three years ago. Never had a virus, a slow down, a programing glitch. Oh, and before you choose a PC, you might want to check how much you will spend on programing. All the programing a regular household user needs comes on a MAC, no extra cost. I had to buy lots of programs to edit photos, make/edit DVD's etc on my old PC, but that all came with the MAC.

You can buy a windows office version for MAC if you need to, but I just taught myself the MAC system and found it more intuitive. Their programs are also simply prettier to look at as well.

As others stated, only you can decide, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

I am an average home user, do lots of photos and documents, online banking, spreadsheets and I made a great DVD without even looking at the tutorial: music, photos, everything.

I recommend MACs to the average user who wants to use the computer as a tool to make life easier. They really are more user friendly.

I found that PC's made my life more complicated. Who needs a slow/broken computer when we all do online banking now? And who wants to have to buy a new computer every few years?

i have a mac, and there is really no difference on how they run things. i am a hardcore gaming addict whether on computer or another system, the mac is good for some, but the majority of games run for just windows, but a mac can run fun games as well. the only way you can run games for windows on a mac is if you're willing to download windows via bootcamp.

In my opinion, they each are great machines and it doesn't matter which you buy, as long as you do research for what you want. Just make sure you check what you need for what you want, and make sure the computer you buy can run/do it well.

Well i am looking for a mac as of now. like someone earlier, i too had a dell pc, and it was my worst nightmare. I'll never buy another dell; they are junk, big time, so i am getting a mac. I can't wait. These pc desktops are junk.

Like someone already said, they sure know how to get viruses and the dreaded blue screen, slow down when i need speed and of course just crash when they feel like it. Wow. I'm really looking forward to a MAC. Oh yes, hope Dell goes bust.

I'm getting ready to buy a Mac and after reading all your comments I am so glad that they have reinforced my MAC purchase.

I have been a PC user ever since I can remember (15 years or more) and I have only ever had troubles with them. They're slow, laggy, always get viruses, errors, the whole kit and caboodle. I currently have a Dell laptop with Vista on it and it's a bucket of crap. In the first month I was already having problems with the sound card and I still do.

After a year, the keyboard and track pad stopped working. I have errors that pop up on my screen and a virus that is corrupting some of my files. I contacted Dell when it was still in warranty and they wouldn't even send someone out to have a look at it. Never again would I ever buy Dell.

On the other hand, my friend has a Mac book. One that's aluminum cased. She takes it on her work trips and holidays. She has dropped it about five times - by accident of course (you can see the dents) and the damn thing works perfectly! If I did that with my Dell, I hate to think what would happen to it. She's had no issues with the OS whatssoever.

My PC overheats all the time (I only bought it in mid 2009), takes forever to load up. The fan is running constantly and I have had to buy an extra fan and it still has problems with over heating.

I know internally MACs have the same hardware as any other computer and that it's only the operating system and the outer casing that's different, but clearly apple is doing something right if everyone is starting to turn their backs on PC's.

I was at JB-HiFi store a couple weeks ago and the guy selling the computers told me, 95 percent of computers that they sell now are MACs. The PCs are just collecting dust these days. Seems like a lot of people are getting fed up with PCs. They look like crap and they operate the same way. The winds are changing.

Thanks for all your posts.

I have a $200 Acer Netbook, with Win7 Ultimate. It does everything I need from playing videos, running all MS Office 2010 programs, Visual Studio .NET 2010, and SQL Server mgmt studio 2008.

It was the best $200 dollars of technology money I've spent so far.

My wife's iMac (6 years old) is still running OK, but it's a dog with fleas when it comes to performance and price. I can't yet convince her to come over to the good side (PC), so our household continues to be divided.

Both are good choices depending on your personal preferences.

i read all of these posts. I took hours because i want to make the best choice because i will buy a new computer today.

i read a lot of crap like government agencies and universities don't use mac. Both colleges i attended did, and i work for the government and all 12 in our office have government issued i-phones so don't believe everything you read.

The truth is I'm 32 years old and owned about six or seven pc's and I'm sick of spending $700-$1000 every three years. i know the imac would crash a lot in college, but i have to try out the new product because pc's are designed to fail so you are constantly upgrading and it makes me sick! Anyone reading this should know don't be swayed by biased posts. No computer is perfect, so go out and ask friends. They *might* tell you the truth.

For anyone claiming that Macs run "hardcore games" better than any PC, you are full of crap. Period. It is not an opinion, it is the flat out truth. I don't hate Macs, just the idiots who think that they do everything better than anything else.

Anyone who thinks a Mac is a better machine for anything is just wrong. I am a freelance graphic designer, and Mac OS X is nothing more than a fun toy to play around with. If you are serious about productivity, the windows desktop environment is far more intuitive than the craptastic dock in Apple's flawed OS.

You might be able to brainwash helpless old women and small children that your expensive plastic toys are superior, Apple, but you don't fool me!

P.S. This comment was written from a Mac. I kid you not.

I bought a mac about two 1/2 years ago. I use my computers hard. Photoshop, Flash development, video editing. I put it through the wringer. (But treat them like my baby) I have used mac and PC both.

I have had to spend three months out of my life with my mac in the air to get repaired by apple. I had sent it to Salt Lake City six times in under a year. Replaced almost every major component. Optical Drive(CD-DVD Drive), audio card, video card, system cooling fans, logic board (mother board) and a battery that exploded.

My problems started the day I got the mac. It wouldn't burn a CD that would play in anything but my computer(would not finalize disk). After a year of problems (and a computer that could have flown free to first class to Australia on frequent flier miles) they sent me a brand new mac.

I haven't even had my new computer a year yet and already I am sending it in for a new optical drive(CD-DVD rom).

I regret every day my purchase. OSX is awesome, but macs stink. If you want a mac, you should rethink it hard, then make a hackentosh for a fourth of the cost and better components! Trial by error done for you.

Macs are crap. I'm a graphic designer and i don't even use the imacs here at my school.

I bring in my alienware laptop that works 10x better than a mac and do my work on that. I got a bunch of adobe programs on my laptop along with various video editing software.

My PC had a virus we had to pay to have removed, a malware and spyware invasion we had to pay to remove and since I am into photography, I had to buy photoshop to edit my photos- more money down the drain. I hear a MAC would simplify my life. I am on the MAC wagon!

I was surprised at some of the posts with comparisons to Linux. They characterized it as a 'fun to tinker with' or 'only good for programming' environment. Most of the Linux distros today are first, free or close to it and second, very easy to use and polished.

While the Gnome UI has more developer type apps and utilities, the KDE UI is very pretty and easy to use.

I have taught a community class for several years on putting Linux on older PCs to give then new life. And by the way, - WalMart's webstore used to sell linux PCs for $200 (they may still have them).

If what you want is an easy to use system, for web, email, video and audio editing that looks good, take a look at Fedora (free). Sounds like Mac? Hint - Mac runs on top of Linux.

I saw a post saying that PCs rule the market because of price, upgradability, etc. Not really true.

They rule the market because IBM developed them and in the corporate world - "You don't get fired for buying IBM". IBM and ex-IBM execs sit on the boards of most Fortune 1000 corporations and that was when the explosion came and fueled the production of the clones (and the drop in prices - the first XTs were around $10K ea).

I use a PC but am considering a mac and am playing with it in VMWare. $30 for the OS at Best Buy and run it in VirtualBox. iWork rocks - I got it for my iPad and want it on my main box now.

I've never really used a mac. my Windows machine works and I assume the Mac works too. However, my usual test is to be able to build a computer for ~$500 and to be able to run the latest game I want to play, at the moment its Starcraft 2. I don't think I'll ever be able to do this with a Mac. I'm too cheap to buy something for how it's going to make me feel or what it looks like.

Well I am on my third PC, my first Windows XP just broke down. The second PC had to have vista on it. Vista gave me so many problems, I and a friend bought Windows 7. Both of us are having so many compatible issues. It's as bad as Vista. I don't care what anyone says, here are two, not entirely computer illiterate people not happy with Windows 7. I wish I had gone for the Mac last year.

this post is the for the one who compared a car to a computer. The main technology in a car is very very old. it's called a combustion engine and the function is limited to carrying people from one place to another, and that will never change, ever.

A PC has been evolving for decades and it's just getting started and there is no limit as to what it can do because it runs on software. Sure, use your 5 year-old Mac to watch a DVD while I'll watch a blu-ray on my brand new PC.

GO Mac! I suggest buying mac because it's best for music, animation, gets fewer viruses, and many more reasons. So what I'm trying to say is that the price is totally worth it.

You can put either OS on either hardware. The PC hardware is cheaper. Simple choice.

Not too long ago I switched over from a PC to a Mac and it has been the best decision I have ever made. Mac is a lot more user friendly, everything is there and just works. There are no errors, annoying updates, laggy programs; everything is just beautiful.

Not only is the interior reliable, but the exterior is easy on the eyes. It has a beautiful unibody case that is better built than any windows laptop. Windows laptops slow down and break too easily, but the Mac does not. Windows also has a big problem with viruses. Everywhere you go on the internet you're bound to get some sort of virus. But the Mac is virtually safe from viruses. Of course, there is still some threat but nothing a cheap anti-virus can't protect against.

Also, for all the people saying gamers should go with a PC, that is not true. I use my Mac with games all the time and to be frank, it runs hard core games better than any PC I've ever used. Of course I have to use Bootcamp as some games are not Mac compatible, but due to the hardware of the MacBook Pro, it runs games without a problem.

I use to hate Mac all because of that stupid "it has no right click" thing, but it turns out Mac does have right click and really is better than any PC out there.

P.S. It runs games better than an Alienware laptop, and looks 10000x better too.

I work all day on Windoze, but come home to a Mac. I've had Apples since the IHc days, and don't want to deal with the defrags, the "blue screens of death," the "your XXX is not compatible with your YYYY" or any of the other "What?" moments I have at work.

The Mac I recently replaced was seven years old, and hadn't given me any trouble--and the G4 533 I bought around 1998 still runs! Yeah, it's slow, but it's 14 years old! So is my dog that I got the year before!

The thing about Macs is that they truly do "just work." The learning curve is a very small hill, and help is readily available on the Apple website and in various forums elsewhere--if you have a problem.

To the guys who say, "build your own PC cheaper the way you want it" I'll say, that I will never build my own computer--I don't want to do that. I'll take my new Mac out of the box, put it on the desk, and be doing what I want in about 10-15 minutes--20-25 if I'm migrating an old machine. Graphics and sound included.

And it works with every digital camera and camcorder I've ever owned effortlessly, and plays nicely with Palm devices I've had, and my parents (aged 80 and 76) have used Macs to digitize old 78RPM records onto CDs. There's just no downside except the latest and greatest online gaming, which I won't ever do. Once you go Mac, you really won't go back.

A couple of things that push a PC over Mac's for me:

1. Mac's are pricey for the hardware you get. Build a PC yourself with the same specs as a Mac and you will save money.

2. Windows does what I want. I don't understand people who say that they have loads of trouble with windows. XP was awesome, Vista was kind of a let down, but with windows 7 I basically never get errors.

3. I don't think I've ever heard somebody say 'Does it run on windows', but 'Does it run on a Mac' all too frequently.

4. Macs have better software. Well, but new software for your pc then. Duh. Sony Vegas, Photoshop. Awesome?

5. Macs look pretty. Buy a decent case for your PC.

6. Yes, you've guessed it. I don't like macs at all. A PC has done everything I need it to, for cheaper than a Mac.

7. Macs just work. Oh really? Nah, mate.

I use an iMac with Windows installed via bootcamp (I know, what's the point right?). Well, the only reason I have windows installed is because I do have some games for windows that I couldn't otherwise run on a Mac and up until a few months ago, I was solely a windows user.

I decided to switch over to a Mac because for me personally, I have had many bad experiences with my windows PC's. Now don't get me wrong. I know there are many windows users out there who never have problems, but for me I did have a lot of problems.

What knocked me towards Mac the most was when I bought a laptop running Vista. That for me was the final straw. I spent most of my time dealing with errors and slow performance, then having to defrag my drive every month or so.

My new Mac is similarly spec'd to my pc, but it handles things with less problems, which in return gives you higher performance over a pc of the same spec. Of course you could buy a higher spec pc lower than you can buy a good Mac but is the extra money for a Mac worth it? For me, it most certainly is.

Not only does it run great, it looks great and it only comes with things you'd want. I mean, I didn't have to uninstall all the trial software that came with my Mac because it doesn't come with any trials, only good software that you will want to use, such as GarageBand, iMovie and the whole I life suite. Not only that, but even on the lower end Macs, they almost never struggle to cope and by that, I mean unlike windows PC's when you push them to their limits they continue to work instead of becoming unstable causing windows to crash. This, I think, is down to the fact that Mac OS X is designed around the Mac hardware and is designed by the same people that pick the hardware which ultimately gives apple the opportunity to optimize the OS to run on their hardware.

I don't think that windows is in any way "inferior," but for me and many others who don't want trouble from their computer or for people who need to work on their computer for things like video editing, photo editing or anything productive that requires you to be able to get on with what you are doing without any little hitches along the way, a Mac is better.

On the other hand, a PC is cheaper and good enough for most day to day users looking to browse the web or enjoy some media and is certainly the better option for gamers and system modders.

As for the subject of upgradeability, Macs don't actually tend to lose speed or drop performance over the years like some PC's do so usually actually don't need upgrading.

So before anyone goes out and buys a PC, consider for a moment how much you are going to end up paying for a PC after you buy security protection over the life of the machine, buy software for video editing, photo editing or music editing that would come installed anyway on a Mac or for telephone support and you might just find out that it will work out more.

so please explain:

A: PC. Positives/ Negatives

B: Mac. Positives/ Negatives

OK. Now computers. What is the hoo-ha about macs?

I've had this Inspiron 6000 laptop for three or more years. It's still stable.

To summarize then; if you want to do 'nothing special, just basic tasks' then buy the expensive one.

If you want to do something with more specialized hardware that no other computer can do then buy the cheaper one.

Apple pretty much admitted that their OS wasn't as good as Windows when they announced boot camp.

It's like how come a Lexus is so expensive? I can get a nissan which has better specs more options and is faster and more comfortable, but the lexus is still more expensive. Why? because there's something called quality and value.

The mac will last longer with you and it doesn't lose its value quickly which means you can sell it at a good price.

If you notice, most pc users replace them every two or three years and sell them for like 100-200 bucks while mac users can have their macs for five years plus and it's still working and looks like brand new.

Is it possible that maybe both machines have their niches? PCs rule the market because they're customizable, repairable, you pick out the hardware and software that works for you. If you have more to do than play with your media and go on facebook, then yeah a PC is the way to go!

On the other side of things, if you need a controlled, predictable, stable user experience then a Mac is much more hassle-free, user-friendly. It's almost like an appliance, nobody needs to update or reformat their fridge! For someone who uses a computer for a few repetitive tasks, a mac may provide exactly what they need.

I've built probably a dozen PCs, and use an Alienware laptop and an iPad, and spend way more time than I like to think about running around and troubleshooting other people's PCs to see the value of a mac, plus they look pretty too, and some people just need that to have an enjoyable computer experience.

Just get what works for your needs. I feel like PC's are tap water, and Macs are bottled water. You can argue all day about how much easier it is to buy a bottle of water then have to call a plumber, but at the same time if you use bottled water to cook spaghetti than you're missing the point.

I used to have a windows computer but now I switched to mac. I did not do it because of any bad experiences with my windows. I just wanted to try something new and I would say both systems are great.

This is the age old question, isn't it? It's a battle between the two. Seriously though, some of the complaints about price can be alleviated through discount sites. At least it helps "ease the hurt".

i'm thinking of buying a mac and dual-booting lynux's ubuntu. i think this is a good idea.

@Anon104233: I started out using Macs and the old Apple II computers. When I learned Windows, it was a new world. Having said that, an intern in my office this summer had a Mac laptop and really seemed to like it.

As far as Windows being pre-installed, you'd have to talk to the people at the Apple store. Personally, I wouldn't use a Mac without Windows for Mac.

I don't think any peripherals like a camera or printer are absolutely necessary, but printers are cheap, and come in handy for printing out papers, so you might think about spending an extra $80 for one.

Also, about upgrading the RAM: that's another one of those questions you'd need to ask the Apple people. I'm running 2 GB of RAM on my PC with Vista Home Premium 64, and it runs just fine. I have an AMD Athlon dual core processor. I'm not a big gamer. I use my PC at home mostly for word processing and surfing the net. The little gaming I do is stuff like "Diner Dash." LOL. So if you're not a gamer and your OS isn't a memory hog, whatever the Macbook comes with is probably sufficient for your needs.

I'd recommend at least 2 GB of RAM, though, just so you have enough juice to watch a movie or other videos.

Just a personal note, but if you do decide to go with a PC, try to go with the AMD processors. IMHO, they are so much better than the Intel processors. They run and run and run and run. All of my tech head friends way prefer the AMD processors. I've had motherboards and hard drives crap out on me, but never one of those AMD processors.

It sounds to me that you're either a Mac fan or not. Pretty biased comments. But from what i am reading here, it seems as though a PC would be better for the gamers and Macs are better for everyday people who don't require a lot of power in a system like for video and music stuff.

I am considering buying a mac for college but it seems kind of pricey and i still have a lot of questions.

1: Are there certain accessories that i have to use (example a printer or a camera)?

2: If i were to buy a macbook would i need to upgrade to the 4BG RAM if i am just a casual user?

3: How do i get windows on mac? or does it come preinstalled?

Thank you.

I've grown up in a mac household, and soon as I got a PC it was clear which was better.

I find PCs better in every way. They have better games, more and better software, they are faster, simpler, much easier to customize, both when it comes to hardware and to the individual settings you want.

Don't see how macs have better editing software for videos and music etc. You look at the top people in the world and they're on PC too.

I would definitely go for a mac. They're not just better quality but also looks better.

i am planning on buying a mac because:

1)they are simple and effective. Macs are far easier to navigate compared to pc's.

2)Macs look amazing. You can clearly tell apple has put a lot of time in the casing (unlike other companies) you can clearly see they take pride in their computers.

3) many people say they crash, and yes they might, but so do pc's though. One person posted that all the macs in their school broke. Hey that was in the 1990's and mac was a new brand. They are a lot better now.

Finally and the most important: Macs are future proof, they have built in A.V unlike pc's (no more £40 a year for protection).

Also macs don't decline in speed as much as pc's.

i have had pc's all my life, and i used to think they were amazing, but now i have realized macs are the way forward! they are a better all around machine.

I swear, I think some of these posters are paid by Apple to spam comment boxes, such as on this site. It happens in politics, so why not in business? I think the school teacher commenter above is an example. It's just too artificial.

My family has used a "PC" for the last 18 years and in that time, I've only had three computers. My first desktop, a Daytek, ran from 1993-2003. We then purchased an Emachines in 2003, which we still use up until now. The third PC is an ACER laptop my daughter purchased for university three years ago. We have never had any problems, except the first computer was so old, it eventually became hard to upgrade.

I have several problems with Mac:

1. It may be more secure as of now, but as its market continues to expand, Mac will have increasing troubles with hackers and other forms of malicious software. Not only that, analysts have said Mac will "get hit harder", per se, since their enterprise isn't versatile.

2. In this day and age, who wants a computer that can't be upgraded? I mean, if you're going to shell out $1500+ for a Mac, wouldn't you at least want longevity and up-to-date technology?

3. As someone else said, why buy a Mac if you are going to run Windows on it? Why not just by a PC for a hell of a lot cheaper? That just proves some morons buy these things because it's trendy and 'pretty'.

4. They market themselves as the brand for dumb yuppies who don't know anything about computers. So as long as you want to be ignorant about how your computer runs, but look cool, you should buy a Mac.

5. Macs crash, and crash hard. Try fixing it yourself, and you might void your warranty. A person on another forum stated she had to pay $1000 to get her computer working again.

Lastly (but I can go on), government and businesses don't use Macs. If leaders and corporations, who no doubt invest an abundant amount of funding in research, do not use Mac (or iPhone for that matter), that is good enough for me. They need to look beyond propaganda messaging for their own interests.

I like to say, "once they go Mac, they'll eventually come back". Cheers

I've been using PCs since Windows 98 and I've never used a Mac outside an Apple Store. I usually don't like to enter those Windows fanboys vs Apple fanboys vs Linux fanboys, but now I've decided to step up.

Macs, as far as I know, are as good as Windows and Linux. Macs are very good for casual users, people who don't need to keep changing the hardware just to get a slight increase in the frame rate of a game, or people who work with photo, music and video editing. Do some research and you'll see that most of the people who work editing videos use Macs.

However, Windows is good too, but is very different than Mac. Since Windows has a bigger market share, more people use it. And the basics of Windows are very simple, so people like it. Although, Windows is better for applications that aren't so "glamorous". Windows is very good for gaming, office work (with Microsoft Office, obviously) and basic use, such as social networking and buying stuff in the internet.

Linux hasn't been mentioned in this post, but still I'll say it: Linux is for advanced users and is good only for programming. Linux isn't as good for games as Windows is and isn't as good for photo, music and video editing as a Mac.

So, bottom line: Macs and Windows are both good for basic use.

Macs are good for photo, video and music editing.

Windows is good for gaming and office work.

I'm a PC (yeah, I know a Mac is also a PC yadda, yadda) with no Mac experience. I help a lot of people with their PC and windows problems.

A friend got an iMac six months ago. She couldn't even get it out of the box and plug it in. I unboxed it, plugged it in and in less than 10 minutes, I was on the internet downloading Open Office, Thunderbird and Firefox. So in a total of 20 minutes she had all the software she needed. OK you say it only takes 40 minutes longer to get to the same point on a windows box, but here's the clincher. In those six months, she's never once asked for help with her Mac.

Will I buy a Mac? I'm seriously considering it. One reason is that I could make some money supporting people with Macs, but on the other hand I'd be like the proverbial Maytag repairman.

I work in IT and absolutely love the Mac. There are only a few misc programs I wish it could run though, so I still use a Dell laptop for some stuff. But after a long day working on Windows to come home to play on a Mac is just swell.

The biggest drawback to a Mac, is if it fatally crashes and won't turn on, Apple will have to repair it. With a PC, you can test it until you determine the problem and repair yourself, maybe shell out 100 bucks for parts. Macs not so much, since you'll void the warranty if you even open it.

Apple Care is vital to protect it for up to three years at about a few hundred bucks. After that, it's not a fun feeling being at the mercy of Apple for pricey repairs; some can run up to $1300 I've seen. That's a pretty huge reason to stay with a PC alone I think. Since with Windows, you kind of know when it's starting to goof up. With Apple, it just dies without warning, so definitely back up your data!

This PC vs Mac debate has been ragging on for years. More so after Apple ran their marketing ads trying to sell more Macs to the public. It must have cost like zillions of dollars. Now all this is priced into any Mac that you buy now. Think about it. Why should you the consumer pay for this when a PC windows or Linux can do all a Mac can?

I'm not a "Mac fanboy", at least in my own estimation, but when I got a Mac laptop a couple of years ago, I fell in love.

My Mac laptop has always run my Adobe software and loaded the internet much faster than the PC desktops my family has had over the years.

In addition to that, it offers other little perks like the multi-touch trackpad that lets me never need a mouse (even with Adobe), the handy screen-capture options, the ability to zoom the screen, and the automatic spellcheck that works on the internet and most other text-intensive applications.

Anyone who says Macs don't get viruses is stupid. The only reason Macs don't have as many is because nobody with a lick of intellect would waste time coding a virus for a smaller target group. It doesn't mean the Mac is "perfect".

get a mac if you are a casual user. get a pc if you are a gamer or do a lot of word processing.

If you use your computer for gaming or modding, then get a pc. if you use your computer for surfing the internet and social networking then get a mac.

also, macs have so many brilliant applications like iphoto or garage band that make it so easy to use your computer more than you would if you were just a casual user. macs are also virtually virus free and their design is so much better than a pc.

Macs are like sleeping monsters; if they're not disturbed then they will be okay. I think the reason Macs crash is because people treat them like PCs. A Mac needs to run only Mac software. Do that and you should be okay.

The Mac is no longer an unthinkable choice for a user simply because

1) A large portion of users now spend much of their time on social network or video streaming sites, which any OS can handle.

2) You can access Windows through virtualization or boot camp.

My issue with the Mac is this: looking through my taskbar application list, I see very little (various compilers, development tools, stock market trading applications, a few games) that has a Mac version. Therefore I would have to access Windows through the Mac and expose myself to the flaws of Windows anyway.

So why should I buy a Mac?

The Mac vs PC is a bit of a false fight - still only a small percentage have a Mac and a much smaller percentage still have a Mac some alternative means of accessing Windows (another machine/virtualization/bootcamp).

It is largely a rivalry that occurs only in the minds of Mac fanboys.

it seems to me like those who would rather not think about their computer should purchase and use a mac, whereas those more capable of deciding what they want out of their experience should purchase a computer running windows.

I have been using PC's for years, and our school just got 80 new macBooks in a grant. Wow! Our school unanimously hated them within two weeks. The macs were constantly messing up, never working on the networks, and crashing randomly. If it was, say one mac that was screwing up, I might say, "OK its just one of those in the bunch that turned out bad." There are computers like that for both Windows and Mac.

This was not the case though -- all of the macs were like this. That's 80 out of 80 macs, all continuously being sent to get fixed. Our school has never had a problem like this with windows. Yes, there have been problems, but it's usually with an individual computer. One of our teachers had their own MAC hacked and someone was watching them through the web cam! I've never had a problem like this with a windows computer.

Yes I may be at more of a risk for a virus, but I am smart with how I surf the web, and with two computers over the past four years I have gotten 0 viruses, that's even with my desktop having no anti-virus program.

I hear a lot of people use the MACs for graphics and media, and even in this section I have doubts as to whether they are superior. Windows may not come with things like garage band, but does a professional use it to create media? I doubt that. I'm sure they buy professional programs designed for their field, and those programs will run on a windows or a mac.

So for my personal recommendation, I would suggest a PC. I haven't had a good experience on a MAC yet. I am not a fan boy. I really wanted to give the MAC a chance, and I plan on looking into Linux also and see how they run, but I cannot recommend a Mac with the experiences I have had with them.

I have been using a pc based computer for most of my life. i have dealt with many problems from windows and i am fed up with everything going wrong with the windows operating system. i love the fact that people never have problems with macs. That's why when i buy my next computer, a mac is my first choice.

My MAC crashes more often than my PC.

I grew up starting on the TRS-80 and Atari computer and so moved on to MS-DOS and Windows. I remember the Apple coming out but I enjoyed the freedom of doing and programing what I wanted with the computer through the windows environment. It has not changed over the years and I still stand by windows.

I would not discourage people from buying a MAC, but I would suggest if you started with Windows to stick with it. Windows is just as good and when you get changed over, you need to relearn a lot, so why not stick with what you know (Which is perfectly A OK)?

My first computer was an i386. Now I am considering buying a 27" iMac. I love the graphics on it. I have 2 choices, the iMac or an HP Touchscreen which I also like really well. This is a difficult decision. Why should I buy the Mac? Why should I stay with the PC?

So much debate. I usually stay out of it, but today I've decided to chime in. I am both a professional photographer and a software analyst.

A couple of years ago I purchased my first mac, a macbook pro laptop and I love it. All of the comments about being hassle free etc. are very, very true. I won't spend time repeating what everyone else says (except to reiterate that I certainly know what I am doing and still spend time fixing things when a virus/malware squeaks by and hoses the whole system).

Someone here mentioned problems at work with the macs, but not the pc's. Generally, I have only seen this happen when the networking is not set up correctly. There are a lot of specifics to know and follow to properly set up and manage both on the network you describe.

Find a mac dealer (not an apple store) in your area and ask them to consult on the architecture.

Lastly, someone asked what is the point in needing two machines: a pc and a mac. I have a macbook pro, a dell laptop (for a client), and a windows box I built. I am about to drop some money (by the way it priced out the same for a mac or pc for the specs I need) on a mac pro desktop.

On this I will load parallels to run a window environment when needed (one box, two os's). I will need this at times because there are a few programs I cannot run on a mac (proprietary and written only for windows), and I also need to be able to test software in both environments for my clients.

There are no viruses for Mac OS X. Zero. Not. Even. One. Period.

(Unix underpinning, root separate from admin, Viruses will never propagate in the wild).

I've been looking to upgrade my Sony Vaio laptop which has stood the test of time for the last eight (yes eight) years. In that time I've not once had 'blue screen', it's never frozen on me and any viruses i got were due to dodgy downloads on my part - my (free) antivirus spotted them and removed them without any issue though.

Despite it's age i continue to run CS4, Lightroom, InDesign and Dreamweaver and while it does slow down occasionally it's only while saving large tiff files. The marketing of Mac is great and when i decided that i needed a new laptop i did look at the MacBook Pro, but the more i research it the more i know I'll buy another Vaio.

Good grief! All of you mac fanboys, you pay a load of cash and accept Jobs to choose what you do and what you don't do on your computer. Bought a used iMac from a friend for $500 and all i have to say is pure limitations and incompatibilities. Get a life.

PC's are much better because you can do more features like gaming and stuff. If you have problems with a virus all you need to do is upgrade to windows 7. And about that there is heaps of apps on macs but also you can buy them for windows for only $5.00!

I want the easier route. I have spent so much time trying to clean up, speed up, defrag until I was sick of it. Trying to scrape every dollar out of my PC buying software on line to keep it from crashing.

I'm on my second year with mac and I ain't going back. It's more expensive but I will save the difference in antivirus software and other software trying to keep the PC going.

Pay now for a mac or pay later for a pc, not to mention the frustration.

Sounds like a microsoft moron is making these posts because they are losing the battle. mac is the best going and don't forget it.

I ran PC's for years and always looked at mac. once they went to intel proc and linux I bought 1 mac mini. they run different but the nice thing about mac is for one year you get free phone help. What do you get from uncle Bill? he wants money every 15 mins.

I never feel rushed and even had someone call me the next day to make sure I understood and everything was working OK. I now own 2 mac mini and dropped cable tv and stream my shows we like to our 42 inch tv in our bed room and now with family share all the movies and music are on stored on a 2 TB hard drive in one room and we can still watch it in our bed room via the mini there.

The customer service for one year while you get used to the mac system is amazing now we play Lord of the rings online for one game. took a copy of xp home put it on the newest mini and it runs fine ever get better graphics then my pc. the gpu card in the mini is amazing.

I have two video outputs on that mini and i have it hooked to my 64 inch samsung tv amazing picture no fan noise like a pc just a small silver box. Next we will buy a 27 inch imac and play out games on that and everything else will be ran on mac os.

what i really like is plunging in a device and not getting the message unknown device. you have a driver? plugged a old video camera in to a mac and it says oh this is a video camera. don't know it please use the manual buttons.

Yes i lean towards the mac my wife who plays pc game leaned to pc, but last week saw the 27 in each and said 'get me out of the store before i grab it and drop my pc" if she can do it so can you.

Best of luck on what ever computer you buy, or by the way buy a mac and you can take it back with in 14 day and get full refund. just say i want my money back they say OK poof. customer service like windows never has done.

Good Luck and best wishes

I traded up to a mac (macbook pro), from PC laptop two and a half years ago, and from a desktop PC to an imac about one and a half years ago. I mainly did it because I was tired of spending every weekend trying to fix everything wrong with the windows-based computers. It was the best thing I ever did.

Sure, there were about six days of the new macbook pro and I not liking each other very much, but then - eureka! the light bulb turned on, and it has been wonderful ever since. Initially, I did partition the hard drives to run Windows via Parallels, but I just removed them both because I haven't needed to run a windows based application in years.

I will never go back to a PC. And, I am a graduate student, so I am using my computer(s) quite a bit. I am so glad I have Mac. I have so much more free time now that I don't have to waste hours every week trying to fix the PC based computers. Also, I have never had to call Apple support - so, both the imac and macbook pro have been, and remain problem free.

We finally decided to buy a laptop after having a desktop for several years. We've always been PC folks and our HP desktop has (and probably will) served us well.

It has gotten a little sluggish over the years (almost four now), but still performs the tasks we want it to perform.

Anyway, we were trying to decide between an HP laptop with 4g ddr3 ram, 500gb hdd, intel's dual core i3 processor, and sweet battery (up to 6 hrs) or macbook.net and we decided to go with the HP. Fifteen days later, I'm standing at the customer service desk at best buy, returning my frozen laptop.

I chose not to purchase the buyer protection plan (why would I, since my desktop HP PC has been a rock) and missed the return window by one day! Thankfully, the customer service manager had mercy on me, and let me exchange it. I opted for the Macbook with the buyer protection. No problems yet!

Mac being safer than PC is a moot point. People get viruses and spyware, etc. because of their behavior with their computers period.

A smart and safe PC user will never get a virus or spyware with a little education on safe computing, even without running any anti-virus software or installing any updates.

A Mac user will infect their machine by simply opening a bad piece of e-mail or visiting a malicious website the same as a PC user would.

People who buy Macs either buy into the marketing hype, have money to spare and want something trendy, or are serious graphics/music engineers (and this is not as true as before as Linux equivalents of MAC softwares are infinitely cheaper and work better, just ask ILM and George Lucas who have switched their workstations to Linux boxes).

I laugh at how hard Mac has to market its hardware in order to survive, and laugh even harder at how they blatantly lie about their systems which completely undermines non-tech savvy computer users.

Why would you want to run Windows on a MAC if MAC OS is so much better? Oh yeah, it's because it's not better, they only fooled you into thinking so.

Only person that a Mac should be recommended to, is someone who wants a computer that looks good when it is off.

It's not even a discussion. Take all of the technical mumbo jumbo out of it, and keep it in lay terms, for the lay user.

I am a school teacher and have used a PC forever, and after buying three of them, and averaging only 2.5 years of good use, I finally bought a Mac about six months ago, and it's incredible. I can't believe anyone would even buy a PC now. I go to my parents' house and use their new HP laptop running windows, and it feels like i'm stepping back in time, and I even laugh and tell them, "I hate to sound like one of those people, but my God, the mac truly is a superior technology. It's amazing."

I feel hogwashed by Microsoft and Dell and Gateway, and all of them, and their malware, spyware, cleanup crap, that never really removed anything anyway! You will not be disappointed, and even better, you will really fall in love!

I'm a PC user and to be honest I've never had any problems. Any that I have had were due to dodgy, badly written software I installed and not Windows.

I am searching the web for reasons to buy a MAC for no other reason that I have some hard earned money and want to treat myself.

One thing that keeps cropping up and puts me off buying a MAC is this: people keep saying MACs are better etc. etc., and windows is rubbish. Yet in the next sentence people say if you buy a MAC you can dual boot it with Windows. Why would you want to if Windows is rubbish?

Also, If I buy a Windows machine I don't need to buy a MAC. Yet some people say "well you could use a MAC for this thing (for example) and then have a Windows machine for everything else". Why should you need to buy two machines? A MAC or a PC should do everything you want it to. Otherwise it's not worth buying. --Michael

I sat there with a so called stress free Imac to watch it glitch and crash doing the most basic of tasks. Damn, I'd take a commodore 64 over an imac.

Whoever said they downloaded 533 songs without a virus is so wrong. Mp3, aac, flac, etc are not executing code. You can't get a virus from an mp3. How pompous to say people who don't like macs are probably poor. The highest end pc systems are not macs.

All of these PC complaints are based on using Windows. So why buy a Mac when you can buy a PC loaded with Linux for half the price?

Linux on a PC offers nearly all the same advantages pointed out for the Mac:

1. Quick start up times.

2. Lack up support for many software titles.

3. Due to #2, you 'catch' very little if any viruses.

4. Linux's interface can be made as pretty as a Mac.

5. It just works.

Plus, you enjoy all the advantages of using a PC:

1. Lower cost of ownership.

2. Easy/possible to upgrade.

If you're new to computers, you don't need to buy a Mac to get a computer that 'just works'. Save yourself some money and buy a PC loaded with Linux instead of Windows. I recommend the pretty/user-friendly Linux versions such as Ubuntu or Mandrake.

I would only recommend a Mac to people who are in video editing, graphics design, currently use a Mac and don't want to learn something new, or simply need a Mac as a status symbol.

In closing, when you buy a Mac, you're mostly paying for marketing -- those funny ads aren't free, you know!

Anon62032: I have the opportunity to use Macs and PCs on a daily basis at work. I'm well acquainted with both systems. Macs have their uses. For graphics work, nothing beats them. However, for the kind of work I do (word processing), I prefer a PC. I prefer the Windows environment.

Yes, PCs can be annoying, but so are Macs. I have a daily struggle with the one I use for scanning photos. It was moved about three feet (on a wheeled cart) from one place to another, and now simply refuses to link with the main network. In order to save photos so I can access them, I have to save them to a special folder on the Mac, then go to my PC and drag them from the one drive the Mac will connect with into the photo editing program. Before, I didn't have to do this. I saved the photos directly to the software folder.

Before that workaround, I had to trot my flash drive back to the Mac, unplug the keyboard from its USB port (the USB port in the keyboard itself wasn't powerful enough to support my 256MB flash drive), plug the flash drive into the USB port, scan the photo to my flash drive, unplug my flash drive, plug the keyboard back in, go back to my desk in the next room and insert the flash drive, then drag the photos to the editing folder. I've never had that problem with a PC.

All the PCs in the building play nicely with all the main servers and drives. The Macs, however, are temperamental and routinely "drop" networks, meaning the operators have to save their work, reboot and reconnect to the drives. The Macs in question were purchased in September, so age should not be a factor.

Both machines have their uses, and their good points, but personally, I prefer a PC. I could afford to pay cash for a Mac, but no thanks.

Like the vast majority of the people out there, I switched from a PC to Mac about four years ago, and i am just so in love with my iMac.

Oh yeah and i know that Macs are PC's. Stop trying to make a point. I think I got the point. Bottom line: PCs crash and get viruses no matter what the hell you install on them, and no matter how much you stay on top of their ridiculous updates and whatnot. Trust me, been there done that and know too many people on that same boat. Macs just do what there're supposed to do. They're quiet, fast, tranquil, no headaches, no defragmenting ever, no error messages, no crashing and definitely virus-free (at least for me, and i have even downloaded 533 songs in four years off of LimeWire without ever catching a virus!). I'll bet it sounds too good to be true for PC users, huh?

Well, let's just face it: Most PC users out there are just too poor and envious to purchase a stress free Mac PC.

I have an old PC which I bought in 2003. Feb. which is seven years ago. I spent 1750$ on my computer. Monitor, mouse/keyboard OS (XP professional) included. Today it still runs fine and it use 15 sec to boot up. Been using that computer active to gaming to Nov. 2008 because it was still good.

The only reason i stopped using it in Nov. 2008 is because i needed a better high end computer that could run the newest games with the best graphics. I'm still using the old one, but mostly as a multimedia machine.

We used to have mac laptops on the school. For me a Mac is too limited. If i didn't play games or use that many different kind of programs, I would certainly use a Mac.

I've never really had any problems with Windows until the VISTA release (bought a new laptop six months ago) I'm glad ACER will give me Windows7 for free. Because I really hate VISTA. I really understand why people are leaving messy Microsoft (Windows) for Macs.

Like the article said "PCs are best for gaming". That is because PCs are the fastest. They can also be build, modified, made fancy with unlimited cases, windows in the side, light up fans and neon tubes. They are easily not only the best at looks and speed, but the variety of programs are endless.

You get more for your money with a PC as opposed to the over priced, plain white box of a mac that really isn't for anyone accept the average web surfer and email user. Either way PCs rock and there is good reason why more than 88 percent of the world's computers are PC. You go to any office, hospital, or whatever and PCs are picked because they are just plain simply the fastest and best.

Apple can get viruses just as easy as a PC due to the fact that a programmer can write malicious code for an Apple just as much as he can write a useful tool. Building your own PC is also an option and it is amazing to see the great custom PCs that you can buy or build. Check out "custom" or "modded" PCs. Apple are nice, but compared to a PC they are loaded with worms.

I have worked in the world of Windows since 3.1. Just like others who have been in this field and seen the changes over the years, and sometimes it's very hard to recommend a Windows machine to a frustrated user who's looking to purchase a new system.

In particular, I was talking with client last night who is an actor and he wants a laptop that simply works. Everyone he works with has a Mac. His kids have Macs. He's leaning toward a Mac and I was hard pressed in recommending otherwise.

I'm a Windows user and I'll probably be for some time. However, it's hard to not be realistic about what Apple has to offer.

wow I use both. They both have good things about them.

I do all my hacking on my windows pc and play my blu-ray movies through my pc to my tv since mac does not have blu-ray playback on the yet.

But If you put a gun to my head I would pick my mac without even thinking about it. My mac gives me very few problems and when it does its so easy to fix. The windows pc just over all is glitchy and needs some work.

I turn on my mac and in 20 secs it's up and running. My pc on the other hand takes about 7-10 mins. Overall, buy both if you got the money but if you have to pick, go mac hands down!

I use both Mac and Windows, I agree with the pros and cons that the two platforms have. What I don't understand is that why some people think Macs are not PCs? Ever since Mac moved to Intel.. it is fully x86 compatible! Yes they are all PCs.. the Mac PC and None Mac PC. So the Apple marketing slogan needs to change to: "Hi I am a Mac PC and You are just a PC". (To be fair and honest)

I compare buying a mac vs pc like buying a volvo vs a Chevy. One may be more reliable, but when something does go wrong one is more expensive to fix.

My suggestion is to use a PC for everyday use. It is much less expensive, has way more software for it and it is much easier to get serviced. My suggestion, however, is to buy your PC from your local computer shop, not a large chain like futureshop, bestbuy or walmart.

Your little local computer store will likely do most warranty work in-house and the turnaround time for service will be much faster. also your little computer shop will likely use better parts and take fewer shortcuts in designing your system.

To each their own! I keep reading about the resale value and money lost. If I buy a PC for 300 dollars and it's not worth 1 dollar two years later, I lost 300 dollars. If I buy a Mac for 1400 dollars and sell it for 700 dollars two years later then I'm still out 700 dollars! I think I'd rather be out the 300.

My PC is six years old and still going with very few upgrades. I also have no speed issues, but I do keep a virus scan and spyware scan running.

I have never used a pc, and after reading these comments, I probably never will. Yes it's expensive, yes the system specs aren't all that great, but what everyday user needs two cpus and 8 gigabytes of ram? Exactly, no one.

My mac does what it's supposed to do, which is doing what I tell it to do. No strange error reports or whatsoever. It's strange to me some people just accept it when their pc's crash or get sloppy only after six months. I'm sure this comment is filled by inaccuracies, but I'm probably not all that far off the truth.

So you can't decide which to buy, windows machine or mac. Here are the pros and cons (linux thrown in).

PROS:

Mac: has less attacks on it and is pretty stable. Please understand no computer is trouble free despite the adds or what fan clubs say (pc and linux too). Beautiful interface.

Windows pc: can be pretty stable, tons of programs, many hardware upgrade options, beautiful interface (depending on user settings).

Linux: (not much experience but my 2 cents)

Free or pretty cheap, great for servers, sort of fun to tinker with, upgrading is free.

Cons:

Mac: You are pretty well stuck with the system you have. Macs aren't easily upgraded. All I could find was memory and hard drive upgrades. I could not find any other components. Macs are more expensive for same performance as Windows and Linux. A new software/game release that you may want might not be available for mac.

Windows: (this could be true for any computer but I have more experience with pc) higher maintenance and over time files seem to clog/slow down the computer. Way more threats (viruses etc.) for windows systems than linux/mac.

Linux: My own 2 cents and that of almost any forum I've read is linux has a huge learning curve and is not user friendly at all. It is meant more for being a server than desktop.

Debunking the Mac ads:

All three types have support, but technically there is no "pc." There is dell, compaq, sony, etc., and those each offer their own support, just like mac supports its own but not dells, compaq and so on.

Mac does have viruses but there just aren't as many for a couple reasons, but the biggest one being that windows machines have the vast majority of the market and hackers etc. target the larger target.

In general, people are lazy and Windows by default does not come locked down tight which leaves a lot of computers vulnerable and a playground for the ill-intended. It is, however, possible to lock down a computer and still be usable and be as secure as a mac.

I personally haven't had a virus or compromise in a couple of years, which all that took was a virus scan to clean up.

And last but least "it just works." Do a search for mac problems, freezing, slow downs, etc. and you will see, a computer is a computer and like any electronic device, it is prone to failure.

To sum it up. Mac has about the same usability as windows but requires less maintenance at the cost of hardware customization/upgrading. Macs are a little more like a fenced in playground where you can have fun on it and do what you want knowing you are relatively safe but you still have to be careful because you can fall down.

Windows pc's are like a camping trip in the wild. You can do what you like, go where you want but you need to be more careful and willing to learn how to do things but the sky is the limit.

Linux just isn't in the running as far as a new or even possibly old user looking for a desktop operating system. It's just too frustrating, but not impossible.

Hope you enjoyed this and from my experience of all three have pros and cons but you have to decide which you want to work with. Do you want freedom at the cost of safety or do you want safety at the cost of freedom?

"The OSX kernel has a ridiculous amount of overhead that's a real performance hit. Windows is plenty fast on a 2 GhZ processor while OSX is a slug."

Clearly written by a Microsoft employee. Anyone who has actually used a Mac knows that they are fast and trouble-free. I got a Dell and a Mac at the same time (Dell was from our office), same basic chips and specs.

Three years later the Dell is essentially unusable - and this is in a restricted and secured corporate environment (no torrents or games, no unauthorized installs, no personal media etc), while the Mac has been sitting at home being used for everything.

The Dell now takes about 15 mins to boot up, and opening a browser takes forever. The office "fixed" this issue about 1 year ago by wiping the drive and doing a fresh install. I had to spend a day getting everything back to how I had it set up. Worked fine for a few months, now it's back to it's old sluggishness.

Meanwhile the Mac has been happily chugging along for three years, gone through two OS upgrades (Tiger > Leopard > Snow Leopard) that have been the easiest OS upgrades I have ever performed (put disk in, walk away, come back 45 mins later and everything is done. And I mean *everything*, you can start working with it right away). The Mac boots as fast as it did on day one. Every app snaps open quickly. Never got a virus, never had a crash or have had any other issue with it.

I could resell the Mac for about half of its purchase price. The Dell I would have a hard time giving away.

I would never buy a Windows machine for personal use again. It is just too painful.

here's an idea for all you cheapos out there who won't cough up the cash for a Mac. Buy a Mac and put your windows on it, on one half of the hard drive.

i dare you to try Snow leopard. it runs faster and smoother than any other windows based operating system. along with the fact that windows is just in denial so much that they steal mac features just to compete with the new mac OS!

I appreciate all the comments. I have been a PC user for more that 25 years. I have had to buy a new computer about every 2 years. I am sick of defragging, cleaning out and rebooting.

I am going to try a Mac. Thanks for helping.

What gets me is that Apple licenses their OS to only be ran on their licensed hardware, even though it could practically be ran on any PC if configured properly and allowed.

There were many MAC clone hardware providers back in the 90s until Apple sued the hell out of all of them.

If you guys really wanted a decent OS, then linux is the way to go, which is steadily taking over the Windows market in Europe and Asia. Quit paying for your Loss!

I have been trying to find a reason to purchase a Mac, but can't seem to go over the edge. I'm a big gamer and Mac is a disadvantage when gaming. I also do overclocking and modding my systems and can get just about anything for my PCs. I am very familiar with PCs so really don't have any issues with them.

I was considering a Mac for creating a recording system for my music, but have found several third party software programs that work great in PC.

I also have Ubuntu linux (free)installed on my gaming laptop as a dual boot, which runs really fast if I just want to surf the web. I can't find a reason to purchase a Mac. So what's the big deal with them? what are you doing with them that I can't do?

I am considering getting a mac just because of its ease of use. work and everyday life are hard enough so when i get a bit of time for myself i don't need my pc telling me it can't do this or that. I relish the idea of a stable OS. as far as i am concerned, the 15 or so years i have been using windows it's never struck me as stable. plus, anything is better than a crappy, noisy gray box. i just need to get 1500 pound notes to get one.

macintosh computers will always beat anything that pc will be able to come out with. the design in much better, and the software that mac uses is impossible to beat in my opinion, you should spend the extra dollar to get a mac than a piece of junk pc that loses its value after the first few years.

Macs are quality products and offer simple easy to use computing. There is no buying antivirus software, no defrag, no error messages and no crashing. The best bit is no slow running after having it six months like you get with a dell. My mac has frozen twice and sorted itself out every time. One thing I acknowledge is Macs are very expensive but you get a computer that will last you for years. I love my mac but make sure if you are going to convert you are not a PC gamer and can afford the hardware. Have fun!

To anon24816: You obviously have not ever used a Mac. I've worked on PCs for more than thirty years before switching to a Mac. You sound fairly young, and your limited insight bears me out. If you're upset that you can't buy a Mac due to price, you're not trying hard enough. There are great deals on closeout Macs online, or consider buying a used Mac. Other reasons to buy Macs: Macs will hold their value for a long time. My youngest son has a buyer for his 6 year old Power Book, it's selling for $700.00. After 6 years in college, he wants to update his Mac. By the way, his Mac has never had a problem, other than replacing a hard drive, and that's not Apple's fault. What are PCs worth after a year? Basically nothing! If you figure, what you pay on the front end, minus what you make on the back end, you have spent less money. That being said, I didn't even explain how much cheaper the software is for Macs, since we can buy "family packs" and "bundles" of Mac software. At last count, my family, and our extended family own over 30 Macs. Since getting everyone to switch, I have not had to fix any of them, something I was constantly doing when they owned PCs. Macs have made my computing life much easier.

MAC is a PC also. PC stands for personal computer.

CPU = central processing unit not computer processing unit... Article was nice and informative, its a shame that you lost so much credibility in the opening sentences

I first got Web T.V. then I got the first iMac blueberry and then an eMac and now an iMac and a broadband connection. I have seen a few windows machines and would be lost on it, in it, with it. I do have the mobile me but do not use I disk or the online stuff. The last screen I saw was just to busy for me. And I like to change the desktop picture. It is easy to do and it makes most pictures fit like a poster.

I switched to a Mac about 1.5 years ago and have often regretted not switching years ago. I've hacked computers since 1983 but now view them as tools. As a tool for my real world uses, the Mac OS beats a Windoze box hands down- e.g. boot and shutdown times, ability to clone the boot drive to an external and then boot off of it (plus Time Machine), standardized user interface right down to the app level, very little malware worries, essentially no crashes and none causing data losses, etc. Sure they are more expensive, have a bit of a learning curve and don't have as wide a selection of apps, but those are minor issues for a *tool* that allows me do do what I want without wasting time fussing with the hardware or OS. Macs just work!

After using both Mac and PC for years going back to the mid 80s, I felt ready to say goodbye to Windows after experiencing the disaster that was Win9x. My turn to Macs turned out to be a U-turn once I realized that OSX was less reliable than XP. EFI is a nice idea and a lot sexier than BIOS, but Mac's implementation of it is buggy as hell and when you encounter a problem with it, good luck finding a solution. The OSX kernel has a ridiculous amount of overhead that's a real performance hit. Windows is plenty fast on a 2 GhZ processor while OSX is a slug. If you're going to invest in a blazing fast processor, better to have it do something more useful than compensating for the inefficiency of the kernel. I never would have dreamed of saying this five years ago, but Windows outperforms OSX in terms of reliability, speed, and (since XP XP2) security.

Psystar is selling an i7 Quad Core Xeon Nahelem machine that runs OS X on a PC. If you want windows XP or Vista, simply install it on another drive. Then you have Mac OS X and Windows on the same machine for $1000 less than you would pay Apple for the same machine. The only difference between a Mac and a PC nowadays is the OS. That's it.

I grew up using DOS then Windows up to Vista, I got my first Mac in my first year of Uni, and for my personal things I will never go back to PC, it's slicker and more robust. Never had a problem. It's worth pay that extra dollar to get a mac, it's even worth paying even more for the Pro stuff. I have to run Vista on my MacBook Pro, it runs Vista better than a PC.

You can tell the difference between OS and Vista just by how they both handle the drivers of a MacBook Pro, Vista has no quality to the display or the sound.

Buy Mac and install vista, best option!

I evaluated the main operating systems back when Commodore and Atari were viable options, settled on using a Mac, and have never looked back over those many years. While others were griping about compatibility issues with Office software updates, and system crashes, I had relatively few issues with those, and the situation has only gotten better over those many years. And yes, I have used PCs, and they have only gotten more Mac-like, which is good.

However, there is a lot of ignorance out there about software on a Mac. User-friendly means that I can open a disc/drive that is formatted for PC on a Mac (not the other way 'round, however), as well as all the basic office-type files, and save out a version that will open on a PC, whereas a PC won't do that.

Part of the cost of a Mac is about $500 worth of software that you have to turn around and buy for a PC on top of the cost of the computer. When you consider that you don't have this software cost with a Mac, the PC is usually more expensive.

Don't forget that many cheaper PC's are running on older, slower processors. Before saying that PC's are faster, check out a fast PC with the same Windows system loaded with Boot Camp on a fast Mac. And make sure the processors and RAM at least match. You might be surprised at the speed of a Mac.

The *real* answer is to simply buy the less expensive PC and run Mac OS X on it. That way you have the best of both worlds. You see, the actual Mac experience is the OS and not the machine. *All* computers have integrated parts and Apple's are no better than most, especially since Macs are now Intel CPU based computers.

There are more and more Mac to PC clone makers appearing on the scene, or you can simply build your own PC to run Macs OS using a simply EFI Boot command to boot to the UNIX based OS X.

You seem to imply that you're paying for the good looks of a Mac. Not true. You pay for the best hardware, most useful kind of design, and a solid overall experience. It just happens to look good too.

I switched in 2004 from PC to Mac. I loved my dell, and I knew how to work windows XP very well. I was able to "Tune" my dell to run at great speeds, and was familiar with office, IE, etc.

I switched to mac in my last year of university. I loved iLife, specifically for the speed of imovie and the ease of garage band. The ibook I bought was probably slower than my 3 year old dell regarding raw data crunching, but the OS and software (that all came included in the sticker price) worked so incredibly well, was reliable, fast, and highly integrated within itself and OS X. Once I got my mac, I almost instantly left my PC untouched.

Everything is so well integrated, and so standard across macs, that its easy to use. Sure there are less options for software, but because all macs have the same software, I found it easy to find help learning how to use it, as every mac user has the same software (OS X, iLife, Appleworks at the itime). There is a small learning curve; everything works a little bit different, but you'll catch on fast. There are also many tutorials on the apple website that are outstanding.

**anon24816**

Why do you think there is the option to run windows..well so that software that you can't run on a mac will work.. so you saying that you can't play games..incorrect.. install windows and then you can.. the apple os is much better than vista.. *you think mac crashes more than vista...what*!?!?!?

*By the way have you ever heard the saying once you go mac you never go back...just wondering*

are you saying its a bad thing that macs don't get viruses..that sounds like a plus to me..maybe i'm wrong..maybe i would much rather spend all my time on a computer that barely moves because its loaded with viruses.

Macs are easier to fix than pcs btw...instead of shipping you pc into dell or hp..wherever you got..you just bring it into an apple store..apple has the best customer service in the industry....you were saying how dumb it is that you can run windows on a mac well you also talked about how everything was made for windows so compatibility was bad.. well apple answered that by letting you run windows on a mac.. what do you think the point of running windows on a mac is... for your health? and you also think the apple os is --- well apple just so happened to design the iphone which is about the most popular cell phone out today..it surpassed the razr in sales...so how is the apple os bad? and about the right clicking...the macbook aluminum lets you configure a place on the trackpad for right click or lets you use 2 fingers to right click..sounds like a good idea to me. I'm sorry that you can't afford a mac..which is probably the reason you are trashing it...but how about you use a mac before trashing it like you have..you probably have never even used a mac...and you called apple biased...but thank you for you opinion even though every point i believe i disproved in a 5 minute post..

I just made the switch to Mac and I am *very* happy I did. It took me a while to get used to using it, but after searching for mac video training I found a site that had video tutorials. I highly recommend doing some research or else you'll end up sitting in front of your new Mac frustrated!

Y would i want to buy a mac when its a more expensive unuserfriendly version of a pc runnin microsoft? Apple thinks they have revolutionized all of pc wit their 'new' applications but didn't microsoft find out all of these years ago? Apple should get updated

They now have 'crossovers' to run windows? whats the point of runnin a windows on a mac? just buy a pc wit windows on it...

BTW wats up wit games? do they have any? imagine playin a FPS on a mac... *shudders*

Macs don't get viruses? Maybe that's because macs don't make up a very large percentage of the pc industry. Aren't macs about 6-10%?

Y is apple tryin to persuade naive buyers by sayin its more userfriendly? r you srs? userfriendly? and mac? AHHAHAH XD

Apple is so funny :L. From what I've read they think they created intel! a few freakin years after microsoft used it!

macs don't crash? biggest load of bs I've ever heard of... they crash more than pcs and when a pc crashes its cause of 3rd party software. when a mac crashes its because of the bad os

Macs r harder to fix then pcs. You'll probably have to take it back to the apple store and they'll probably replace it instead of fixing it.

Now onto compatibility! Everything made now a days r made for windows. N how r macs coping? they r using apps that emulate windows for them to use window applications?! Y buy a mac when you get all the compatibility on pc?

The mouse... No right clickin? When you drag and drop a file it simply just makes a shortcut? and the shape? ergonomically designed? pffft lies! my hand kills after using an apple mouse for a few minutes

Sorry bout this but most of the reason bout y you should buy a mac is just bs. N i should give some users a reason not to buy one since apple is so biased. Its like they can't c what their competitors have already accomplished

I have wanted a mac for a long time now and i think i am ready to make the change from pc to Mac. I have done my research and think now is the right time (for me) to change.

Everything in a mac made to work together. The hardware works well with the softwear, plus they clearly win for innovation. They are light, quiet and the macbooks (and macbook pros) have a large battery life.

Macs have now caught up with PCs in terms of speed and come with a decent graphix card as standard. It is also a well known fact that their softwarer is superior, taking up less memory and processing power to run.

The only reason i think people are staying with PCs is because of cost and software compatibility. Im sure it will take me a while to get use to the new operating systems but everyone i know who has bought one, said they will never go back to pcs. That's good enough for me. Thanks for reading.

The last time I worked on a Mac, the LACK of right-click functionality drove me batty. Later, I discovered that you can get some right-click functionality out of a Mac if you hold down the control key at the same time, but that sorta defeats the purpose of single-hand right-clicking.

Macs may have added right-click functionality by now -- it's been two years since i last worked on a Mac regularly. i also really missed Windows Explorer (not to be confused with IE), and Mac’s file organization was baffling to a PC user.

Otherwise, it was just an adjustment, to translate the alt+control functions to the Apple version, and also because nothing on the Mac seemed to be where I was accustomed to it being on a PC.

It's simply a matter of which one you're accustomed to. To a Mac User, a PC would be just as frustrating -- maybe more so, since they might not even think to right-click, and the alt key might seem odd.

If you want stability and long term use without problems, go the Mac, a bit more expensive but much more stable and will last a lot longer.

If you love getting right into programming and play with the insides of your computer PC's are more fun for that stuff... Microsoft operating system and dodgy cheap pc builds are the main reason the average user ends up frustrated with their PC.

for my money, the Mac I bought 4 years ago has been a great investment with no problems in that time, so no work loss and no extra costs getting it fixed.

rjohnson, point taken, but now that the Macs have the ability to run both systems, you should be able to continue at least part of your work. Also, there seem to be more and more Mac forums popping up for help.

I have always been a PC guy and will always use one for work, however for home use I am considering buying a MAC. The reasons why:

1, PC's are unreliable and the MS updates seem to slow the machine down rather than do any good.

2, All i want the machine at home for is internet, e-mail, photos and video editing.

3, Hopefully, having a mac will stop me from downloading crap software that at the time seemed like such a useful application.

I'd be interested to hear if anybody else has converted from PC to MAC.

Apple has moved to Intel chips enabling them to also run windows. And, the speed difference between Macs and PCs is now non-existent due to the fact they now all have the same processors.

If you grew up on PCs and don't know Macs so well, I recommend staying with the PC. Even though Macs are supposed to be more user friendly, since more people seem to know about PCs and they seem to penetrate the market more, I think its a safer bet to stick with PCs. If you need help with a problem on your computer you're more likely to know someone experienced in PCs than Macs. I think it's a more practical approach even though Macs do look better!